News Date: Monday, September 29, 2025
Local leaders from across the commonwealth gathered to share firsthand accounts of how the impasse is straining public schools and county governments.
The Pennsylvania School Boards Association (PSBA) and the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania (CCAP) held a joint press conference at the State Capitol to spotlight the growing crisis caused by the delayed state budget.
Representing counties were:
Dr. Kyle Kopko
"We realize there are strong feelings on both sides of the political aisle on what should be prioritized in a budget. But every budget impasse pushes counties closer to fiscal crisis, and we can’t normalize the practice of essentially missing a state budget deadline every other year."
Sherene Hess
"Without a final state budget, counties are left carrying the financial burden of providing state-mandated services with no funding to support them, while also being removed from critical federal pass-through dollars that cannot be released until a budget is enacted."
Annie Strite
"The budget impasse, for many counties, has created an inability to pay providers and staff. Some counties have started to furlough staff. Providers will close if the impasse continues, therefore there will be even fewer services for those who need them. The real impact will be felt in people’s lives, as the harsh reality settles in that help is not there."
Click here for the full press release.
Representing counties were:
- Dr. Kyle Kopko, CCAP Executive Director
- Sherene Hess, Indiana County Commissioner and CCAP President
- Annie Strite, Mental Health Administrator, Cumberland/Perry Counties
Dr. Kyle Kopko
"We realize there are strong feelings on both sides of the political aisle on what should be prioritized in a budget. But every budget impasse pushes counties closer to fiscal crisis, and we can’t normalize the practice of essentially missing a state budget deadline every other year."
Sherene Hess
"Without a final state budget, counties are left carrying the financial burden of providing state-mandated services with no funding to support them, while also being removed from critical federal pass-through dollars that cannot be released until a budget is enacted."
Annie Strite
"The budget impasse, for many counties, has created an inability to pay providers and staff. Some counties have started to furlough staff. Providers will close if the impasse continues, therefore there will be even fewer services for those who need them. The real impact will be felt in people’s lives, as the harsh reality settles in that help is not there."
Click here for the full press release.