The Senate’s majority leader expects additional session days to be called as state lawmakers try to finish a state budget that is more than 70 days late.

Sen. Joe Pittman, R-Indiana, said Wednesday that last week’s agreement to fund mass transit – using a method Republicans had asked for – could speed up budget talks. On Monday Gov. Josh Shapiro asked PennDOT to approve a request for $394 million in future capital funding made Friday by SEPTA General Manager Scott Sauer, according to The Center Square. A long-term mass transit funding plan remains elusive, with House Democrats calling for a long-term mass transit funding plan for the entire state rather than Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. Pittman, however, signaled that Monday’s action removes the issue from the 2025-26 budget.

“With Democrats removing transit from the budget table last week by providing funding through the method we suggested, the frequency and detail of discussions have increased and could allow for a budget agreement to be finalized within the next several days,” Pittman said. “While I am encouraged by the meaningful work at the negotiating table, currently there is no global agreement on a budget deal, as several fiscal and policy issues remain outstanding. Reaching consensus swiftly would prevent negative impacts of a budget impasse being shouldered by counties, school districts, hospitals and all those who rely on state government services.”

The Warren County Commissioners held a brief special meeting Monday during which the commissioners passed a resolution saying the state Legislature shouldn’t recess until a budget is approved. County officials said in late August county operations could be disrupted with local taxpayers ending up temporarily footing the bill for costs typically paid by the state until the state budget is passed, including Human Services, behavioral health funding and probation funding as well as some salary funding and grant money.

In the last 25 years, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has missed at least a dozen budget deadlines, causing significant disruption. Shapiro said at the end of July billions of dollars in aid to Pennsylvania’s schools and human services will be delayed.

State-supported universities, libraries, early-childhood education programs and county health departments also will see delays in payments, Shapiro’s administration said in letters sent at the end of July to providers. Pennsylvania school districts, which received more than $11 billion last year from the state for operations, will see delays on more than $2 billion in payments through August, Shapiro’s administration said. The state’s poorest school districts might have to borrow money if aid is delayed further while the Pennsylvania School Boards Association says the stalemate is causing districts to reconsider how they spend, such as leaving teaching positions unfilled or putting off purchases of student laptops.

Pittman was optimistic that a deal can be reached and said the Senate is available to vote on budget bills once an agreement is reached.

“Following the conclusion of three voting session days this week, the Senate now remains on a 24-hour call. Session days beyond what are presently scheduled for the Fall will likely be necessary once a budget agreement is reached,” Pittman said.