Shapiro, House Democrats Miss the Budget Deadline Again, With No Deal in Sight

Harrisburg, Pa., June 30, 2025 —Today marks the end of Pennsylvania’s fiscal year and the deadline for lawmakers to pass the FY 2025–26 state budget, with no apparent deal in sight. Pennsylvania stares down yet another budget impasse under Gov. Josh Shapiro, his third in as many years.

In this year’s proposed budget, Democratic leaders are pushing an extremely partisan agenda, totaling $8.4 billion in new spending alone. Unsurprisingly, House Democrats have been unable to pass such a radical spending plan. Despite this, Governor Shapiro remains unwilling to compromise, leading to today’s impasse.

In order to avoid another protracted budget standstill, Shapiro must be willing to work across the aisle, and more importantly, able to lead his own party in reaching a bipartisan agreement. As our new polling shows, 57 percent of Pennsylvanians oppose Shapiro’s partisan, big-spending budget proposal. Nearly seven out of ten call on Shapiro to step up and lead negotiations toward a bipartisan agreement.

Andrew Lewis, President and CEO of the Commonwealth Foundation, issued the following statement:

“Here we are, on June 30th—and once again, with no tangible deal. As Pennsylvania begins down the path of yet another budget impasse, Gov. Josh Shapiro’s third since taking office, it’s not difficult to pinpoint the culprit: a governor who talks about unity but fails to deliver real leadership.

“Since unveiling his partisan, fiscally reckless plan in February, Shapiro and House Democrats have remained unwilling to budge from a proposal that has been a non-starter in the legislature from the beginning. For nearly five months, House Democrats have been unable to pass Shapiro’s radical spending plan while the governor remained unwilling to compromise. Shapiro’s failure to lead his party toward negotiating in good faith with Senate Republicans threatens the likelihood of a responsible bipartisan budget agreement.

“Unfortunately, Shapiro has been too distracted with out-of-state travel, national media appearances, and VIP suites at professional sporting events. He’s failed to provide the bipartisan leadership he promised voters. Now, all Pennsylvanians suffer the results as we enter an uncertain budget impasse once again.

“There is still much work to be done in this year’s budget and in Pennsylvania. More than 200,000 students attend failing schools. Unless lawmakers cut the budget price tag, families of four will soon see a $1,900 tax hike. Bipartisan solutions, such as Lifeline Scholarships for students in failing schools, are feasible if Shapiro brings both parties to the table. It’s time for Governor Shapiro and House Democrats to stop stalling and start governing—the clock is ticking.”

Additional Resources

New Poll: Voters Concerned About Increased Spending, Lack of Leadership

Governor Shapiro’s 2025 Budget Proposal: An Extreme Spending Binge

The Cost of PA Democrats’ Agenda

Commonwealth Foundation experts are available for comment. Please contact Giana DePaul at gmd@commonwealthfoundation.org or (215) 859-0384 to schedule.