Analysts: Long PA Budget Stalemate Likely
By Tony Romeo
Harrisburg, Pa. (CBS) -- As Pennsylvania nears the end of its first week without a spending plan, budget talks are to resume today, but only at the staff level, not between legislative leaders and the governor himself. All signs point to a longer rather than shorter budget standoff.
Late budgets in the Rendell years resulted in payless paydays for state workers and in one case, furloughs. But subsequent court rulings have changed that, eliminating one of the main factors to pressure a resolution.
Nonetheless, Muhlenburg College political scientist Chris Borick thinks the main factor in this budget standoff is the polarized positions.
"I think right now the single biggest factor is how far apart they are."
But Franklin and Marshall College political analyst Terry Madonna believes the polarization and lack of pressure go hand in hand.
"It really takes a deadline with consequences often to bring about a budget reconciliation." said Madonna.
In 2003, under then Governor Rendell, the budget was not completed until December.