Shaffer Calls for Accountability After Fifth Straight Late State Budget

July 1, 2026

HARRISBURG – Rep. Jeremy Shaffer (R-Allegheny) issued the following statement with June 30 passing without a new state budget in place:

“Once again, we have failed to pass a state budget by July 1, and this is the fifth year in a row we have had a late budget.

“Pennsylvanians expect us to be responsible stewards of their tax dollars, do our jobs and meet our deadlines.

“We need to find ways to work in bipartisan manner to deliver a fiscally responsible budget without further delay.

“To fix the structural issue, I have introduced House Bill 1906. The legislation would suspend automatic pay raises for the Legislature, the governor and lieutenant governor during any year in which a state budget is not passed by July 1.

“House Bill 1906 is a form of accountability that reminds lawmakers we must meet the deadlines we expect others to follow.

“When a budget isn’t passed school districts, nonprofits and other organizations are left in limbo, uncertain how to plan for the year ahead.

“To match that expectation, I will not be accepting my paycheck for the duration of this impasse. If we are asking others to shoulder uncertainty, we should hold ourselves to the same standard.

“Furthermore, moments like this are a reminder of why I support downsizing the Legislature and making it part-time. Lawmakers should feel the urgency of getting the job done, and on time, just like the hardworking people we represent.”

Representative Jeremy Shaffer
28th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Andrew Forgotch
717.772.9905
aforgotch@pahousegop.com
RepShafferPA.com / Facebook.com/RepShaffer