Why election years mean faster state budget negotiations in Pa.

Williams noted late budgets became more frequent and dramatic at the beginning of Rendell's term and escalated during Gov. They want to avoid extended budget negotiations and any votes and debates that could be spun as controversial and provide fodder for opponents, experts say. Another factor in Pennsylvania: a late budget used to mean a government shutdown. Pennsylvanians are more immediately familiar with the costs of a late budget, having witnessed them last year. If budget negotiations drag on long enough, counties and schools might need to borrow money, siphon savings or pause programs.