Budget Update: Next 24 Hours Are Critical In Ending Budget Impasse

(Dec. 16, 3:30 p.m.) -- Coming out of a closed-door meeting late Wednesday afternoon, Gov. Wolf and leaders from all four legislative caucuses said the next 24 hours will be critical in determining whether there are enough votes in both the Senate and House to pass the new taxes needed to support the $30.788 billion spending plan announced in the budget framework before Thanksgiving.

There is no agreement among the parties on a tax package at this point to present to members.

House Majority Leader David Reed (R-Indiana) said if there are not enough votes for the new taxes he would consider passing a “long-term stopgap budget” bill.  Other leaders and the Governor were quick to say they wanted a full budget and were not looking at a stopgap.

This is day 169 of the budget impasse.

NewsClips:

PLS: Budget Impasse To Enter Its Most Critical 24-Hour Period

House GOP Eyes Interim Budget If Tax Plan Lacks Support

Next 24 Hours Could Tell The Tale On Budget Drama

Lawmakers Hope To End Budget Stalemate In Coming Days

Gov, Leaders Want Full Budget, Not Stopgap