Senate Democratic Leaders Urge Senate Republicans to Act After House Passes Budget Bill

HARRISBURG, PA July 14, 2025 – Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa and Senate Democratic Appropriations Chair Vincent Hughes released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed HB 1330, an important step to closing out this year’s budget: 

“We commend House Democrats for their leadership in passing HB 1330. This is an important step toward finishing our work on the budget and resolving a host of other issues important to the people of Pennsylvania, including transportation funding and the regulation of skill games.”  

“The budget process has dragged on long enough and issues that have strong bipartisan support are being held hostage because of it. For example, Senate Democrats have 23 votes to fund roads and bridges and mass transit today. We know Senate Republicans also support infrastructure funding. Yet, nothing happens.  It’s time for Senate Republicans to allow a vote on the Governor’s transportation/mass transit proposal, which has passed the House four times over the past two years. We are confident it will pass overwhelmingly.”

“Senate Democrats are committed to bringing this budget to closure. Governor Shapiro has already signed a number of budget related bills to fund some state agencies, and now the House’s action today brings us one step closer. It’s time for Senate Republicans to work with us to bring the budget to completion.”