Budget Process

The Pennsylvania budget is supposed to be approved and signed into law by mid-night on June 30th.  Over the last 7 years the legislature has chose to treat this more as a suggestion than a requirement.  With split government the legislature can use the budget process to make Governor Ed Rendell look bad by delaying the budget process.  That’s politics. 

So what is the likely outcome this year?  It is unlikely the process will go on until July 17th like it did last year.  Most inside observers believe the most likely date of a budget signing is July 3rd or 4th.  The legislators will want to be home by July 4th which offers many good campaigning opportunities.  In an election year that becomes a priority.  Another theory from one lobbyist is completion before July 7th because they will want the process done before the Bob Regola trial starts.  Either way, with split government don’t expect this process to change any time soon.