Deadlines Aren't Suggestions

PA missed its budget deadline — here’s who it impacts and what you can do

Pennsylvania has officially missed its June 30th state budget deadline, and the consequences are already beginning to ripple across the Commonwealth. When lawmakers fail to pass a budget on time, it doesn’t just mean more political gridlock – it means real harm to real people in our communities.

Without a finalized budget, key funding can’t be transferred in time. That means Pennsylvanians’ most vulnerable neighbors—children, seniors, and low-income families—will feel this lack of funding the hardest. That includes:

• Public schools, many of which rely on timely state payments to make payroll and open on time in the fall

• Women’s health services, including reproductive health care providers, that count on state support to keep their doors open

• Mental health and disability services, already stretched thin, are now facing disruptions to care and staffing

• Childcare and early learning programs, which are crucial for working families, may need to freeze enrollments or reduce staff

Why Is This Happening?

The holdup stems from partisan disagreements over education funding, reproductive health access, and how to allocate Pennsylvania’s budget surplus. While there’s been some bipartisan progress in the past, this year’s negotiations have stalled due to pressure from far-right lawmakers pushing extreme agendas.

What can you do if you live in PA?

This isn’t just Harrisburg’s problem—it’s ours. But Pennsylvanians have power. Here's how you can take action:

• Contact your state legislators: Call, email, or tag them on social media. Tell them to pass a people-first budget that prioritizes education, health care, and essential services.

• Talk to your friends: Use the Red Wine & Blue Rally Tool to spread the word.

• Stay informed and stay engaged: Follow updates from trusted local organizations and join events and rallies that demand accountability.

Pennsylvania families deserve better than political games. Let’s make some noise and remind lawmakers who they work for.

Want to make your voice heard? Click here to find your legislator and speak out now.

What if you don’t live in PA?

Far-right extremists are holding up the democratic process across the country. Keep an eye out in your state for similar shenanigans. Just like in PA, the most vulnerable people in our communities will be the first to suffer. Let’s all look out for our neighbors!