On Hundredth Day of the Shapiro Shutdown, PA Democrats Push Spending & Tax Hikes
Harrisburg, Pa., October 8, 2025 — Day 100 of the state budget shutdown brought chaos to the Capitol rotunda, with partisan political theater from Pennsylvania House and Senate Democrats placing parties even farther apart at the negotiating table.
After previously rejecting and then resurrecting a Senate-passed appropriations bill, House Democrats today amended the legislation with $2.6 billion in additional spending—and no way to pay for it.
Meanwhile, Gov. Josh Shapiro—who launched the impasse with a budget proposal promising a $7 billion deficit—was nowhere to be found.
Commonwealth Foundation’s Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel, Megan Martin, offered the following statement in response:
“The Shapiro shutdown threatens Pennsylvania’s financial security as the state continues to operate without a state budget while the federal government shutdown continues.
“Despite this looming fiscal crisis, Governor Shapiro and his party have doubled down on their irresponsible spending.
“The House Democrats’ $50 billion plan would spend $5.6 billion more than net revenues, based on the Independent Fiscal Office’s latest estimate.
“To pay for this reckless deficit spending, Pennsylvanians will endure a tax hike of more than $1,700 per family of four.
“Taxpayers expect, and should demand, better stewardship from their governor and elected representatives. In my more than ten years as the Pennsylvania Senate’s parliamentarian, I’ve seen my share of budget impasses—but this one stands out for its sheer dysfunction, driven by a refusal to engage in the hard work of compromise that the good people of our great commonwealth deserve.
“Shapiro and Pennsylvania Democrats must focus on advancing meaningful policies to improve the lives of Pennsylvanians, including educational opportunity, affordable energy, and responsible budgeting.”
Commonwealth Foundation’s Chief Policy Officer, Nathan Benefield, continues:
“Here we are on day 100 of the Shapiro Shutdown, and the governor and his party once again put gimmicks over action. Rather than leading his party in good-faith negotiations toward speedy and responsible compromise, Governor Shapiro has instead allowed lawmakers to prioritize their partisan agenda and personal vendettas over the needs of hard-working Pennsylvanians.
“Pennsylvania Democrats’ theatrics are nothing but a distraction from their unreasonable spending and lack of plans to pay for it all. They resort to inflammatory remarks and expletives.
“Meanwhile, Pennsylvania Senate Republicans fight for a responsible budget addressing the priorities of Pennsylvania families.
“As the stalemate drags into its 101st day, Pennsylvanians need action, not antics—an opportunity Pennsylvania Democrats squandered today.”
For media inquiries, please contact Giana DePaul at gmd@commonwealthfoundation.org or (215) 859-0384.
