Commissioners adopt nonpartisan resolution urging state lawmakers to resolve budget impasse

Lebanon County commissioners voted to adopt a resolution, modeled by the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania, urging the Pennsylvania legislature and the governor to pass a state budget and resolve the current impasse.

Commissioner Lutz moved for adoption and the motion was seconded. During discussion, one commissioner expressed reluctance, saying the letter is largely symbolic and may have little practical effect on the negotiations in Harrisburg: “My reluctance to support this is because I think it means absolutely nothing in reality to the folks that are they're they're working at the base… I think this is more feel good that we're doing something,” the commissioner said. Other commissioners said the local delegation is accessible and that the county should both send the message and continue direct conversations with legislators to press for timely resolution.

Speakers noted concrete local consequences when a state budget is delayed, including borrowing by counties and interest costs that are not always reimbursed. One commissioner emphasized that deadlines should be respected and said prolonged impasses have repeated over many years and impose financial strains on municipalities, schools and counties.

The board approved the resolution by voice vote and directed staff to sign and transmit it. Commissioners said they will continue to engage with their legislative delegation.