Pike County Commissioner: Pennsylvania Budget Impasse Puts Daycare, Food Pantries, and Vital Services at Risk

As Pennsylvania’s state budget impasse drags into its third month, local governments and essential community programs are feeling the strain. In Pike County, officials have issued a resolution urging Harrisburg lawmakers and Governor Josh Shapiro to resolve the deadlock and pass the 2026 state budget without further delay.

Pike County Commissioner Matthew Osterberg spoke with Radio Chatskill about the growing urgency. He said county governments, unlike the state, cannot afford to stall.

“County government is about public safety, health, and wellbeing. When Harrisburg delays, it’s the most vulnerable residents who get hurt,” Osterberg said.

Impact on Services

Commissioner Osterberg outlined how critical services are now at risk:

• Mental health and disability programs could face funding gaps.

• Drug and alcohol recovery services risk interruptions.

• Children and youth services may be forced to cut back support for struggling families.

• Food pantries could close or reduce supplies for those in need.

• Daycare centers, some already waiting three months for funding, may shut their doors, leaving working parents scrambling for childcare.

• Senior programs like Meals on Wheels face uncertain futures.

“These aren’t optional programs,” Osterberg emphasized. “We’re mandated by law to provide them. But without funding, how do we do that?”

Borrowing Isn’t a Solution

Some have suggested counties borrow to cover shortfalls, but Osterberg explained that state law prevents carrying debt into the next fiscal year.

“We can borrow money, but it must be repaid by December 31. Without the state budget, we have no guarantee the money will be there,” he said.

The state treasury has offered low-interest loans to agencies, but Osterberg criticized the idea. “You’re lending me money you already owe me, and charging interest. It’s bizarre.”

Calls for Action

Pike County is not alone. All 67 Pennsylvania counties have passed similar resolutions through the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania, urging lawmakers to act.

“The money is there,” Osterberg said. “It’s not like the funds dried up. Just let the money flow so people aren’t harmed.”

He warned that any further delays could cause irreparable damage: “If services stop, it’s the most vulnerable residents—our friends and neighbors—who pay the price. That’s something none of us want to see.”