State Sen. James Malone visited the Columbia Borough Council meeting on Sept. 23 to introduce himself to local officials and warn that a stalled state budget is delaying PennDOT-funded projects that municipalities rely on. "We got email from PennDOT that they're not funding projects and so forth," Council members told Malone during the meeting, prompting his reply that leadership across parties was "making progress" but that he could not promise immediate action.

Malone said he represents a district that includes Columbia and neighboring municipalities and noted his office operates both locally and in Harrisburg to help constituents. He listed mobile office hours in West Hempfield Township, Mount Joy Township and other locations, and said his staff is available for constituent services. "I am available. My staff is available," Malone told council.

The senator addressed municipality-level consequences of a continuing resolution at the state level. "The last official passage out of the senate was to run a flat 2024 budget," Malone said, adding that the legislative leadership had called members back for an Oct. 3 session but had not confirmed whether budget items would be on the agenda. Council members told Malone that delayed state funding has immediate local effects, including school and road projects that the borough and its partners cannot afford to lose.

Council members asked Malone about how municipalities should respond while awaiting state action; he said his office will continue to push leadership and encouraged officials and residents to contact his offices in Lititz or Harrisburg. Malone also stayed after his remarks to talk with residents and left contact information on the public table.

Why it matters: Columbia and other municipalities commonly schedule road and infrastructure work around state grants and PennDOT funds. A prolonged delay at the state level could defer or cancel local projects. Council members said they felt the strain on municipal operations and asked Malone to press for a resolution in Harrisburg.

Meeting context: Malone spoke during the agenda presentation section and took questions from council and residents afterward. No formal action or vote followed his remarks.