Echoes in Harrisburg: Three Letters, One Reality
Different parties. Different tones. Same result — Pennsylvania families still waiting
The Echoes in Their Own Words
When parents write their lawmakers, they don’t expect perfection.
They expect effort. Honesty. Action.
Over the past few weeks, I heard back from three Pennsylvania lawmakers — one Republican, two Democrats — about the 100-day-and-counting state budget impasse.
Their letters were thoughtful, polished, and clearly crafted by people who care deeply about their work.
But read them side by side, and something else becomes impossible to ignore: the echoes.
🗣️ From Rep. R. Lee James (R–Venango/Crawford Counties):
“My colleagues in the Senate previously passed a budget bill that would continue the funding process from the prior fiscal year as a stopgap measure. However, Democrats have refused to support this effort.
It’s important to fund the core services, but we must do so in a responsible manner that results in not raising taxes for Pennsylvanians. The Democrats’ spending plan is unrealistic because it spends more than we bring in and will drain our reserve resources.
Since we do not control the calendar, we don’t have a say as to when this budget will be passed. However, my colleagues and I will be at the ready to resolve this issue when called upon.”
That phrase — “at the ready to resolve this issue when called upon.”
It sounds reassuring, until you realize no one’s actually picking up the phone.
🗣️ From Speaker Joanna McClinton (D–191st):
“With a Democratic majority in the House and a Republican majority in the Senate, we recognize that divided government means compromise.
House Democrats did our work on-time and passed a responsible budget plan before the June 30 deadline. We even held session in July and August to address budget requests, remaining engaged and prepared to reach an agreement that delivers for all of Pennsylvania.
Unfortunately, Senate Republicans refused to do their part. They sent their members on vacation for July and August without completing their work, leaving Pennsylvanians to suffer the consequences of inaction. Until they return to the table, progress remains stalled.”
There it is again: responsibility claimed, blame assigned, progress pending.
🗣️ From Senator Lindsey Williams (D–38th):
“People are losing their jobs, rape crisis centers are shutting down, foster parents aren’t getting paid, senior centers are closing, disabled children aren’t receiving the services they need to thrive — all because Pennsylvania has not passed a budget.
I keep hearing talk about passing a ‘responsible’ budget. But I don’t know what exactly is ‘responsible’ about being over 100 days late to doing your constitutionally required job.
Our counties, human service agencies, non-profits, childcare centers, and schools should not have to borrow money to stay afloat.
While counties and providers are borrowing to survive, the Commonwealth is earning interest by not passing a budget. That money should go back to the entities incurring those costs.”
Williams’ letter is the most emotional — direct about human consequences.
But even here, amid empathy and anger, the same word repeats across every side: responsible.
Responsible.
Responsible.
Responsible.
But responsible to whom?
The Reality Between the Lines
Each of these letters paints a part of the truth.
The problem is that while they trade paragraphs, Pennsylvania families are the ones paying the price.
Let’s put the numbers in perspective:
A Pennsylvania state representative makes a base salary of $110,015.54 — not counting per diems, mileage, and benefits. For that pay, parents expect more than letters explaining why nothing’s happening.
We’re not asking for miracles. We’re asking for movement.
We’re asking for schools to stay open, for nonprofits to stop laying off staff, for families to stop wondering if their government is asleep.
And frankly, we’re tired.
Tired of “Democrats did their part” versus “Republicans refused to compromise.”
Tired of “responsible budgets” and “divided government.”
Tired of the echo chamber.
The Plain, Purple Truth
Let’s be real.
Parents don’t live red or blue lives. We live purple ones — balancing jobs, kids, bills, and hope.
We don’t care who wins the political game; we care if our children’s schools can pay teachers.
We don’t care which chamber gavel drops first; we care if senior centers can stay open and counties can pay for care.
Neither side should be happy right now.
It’s not an election year, and that’s exactly the problem — they think no one’s watching.
Well, we are.
And I hope every member of both chambers gets a primary challenge next year, because accountability shouldn’t come only when it’s convenient.
I have friends in the Capitol — staffers, even lawmakers — who might not love that line. But deep down, they know it’s true.
If you want to ask your lawmaker a question, ask.
Remember, they work for you, the voter — not the donor.
And when they forget that, it’s our job to remind them.
Because the real echo in Harrisburg isn’t between parties.
It’s between what they say and what they do.