York County President Commissioner Julie Wheeler issued a stark warning this week about the financial strain caused by Pennsylvania’s ongoing state budget impasse, signaling that local tax hikes may be on the horizon if the stalemate in Harrisburg continues.
With the state budget now more than 100 days overdue, Wheeler highlighted that the county has been forced to cover essential human service programs using local funds, at a cost of approximately $10 million per month.
“This is simply not sustainable, and more importantly it is not right,” Wheeler stated, emphasizing that the county’s ability to avoid tax increases — something maintained for three consecutive years — is unlikely to continue if the state fails to meet its obligations.
She warned that the burden of funding essential services, many of which are required by state law, without state support could soon force the county to raise taxes, directly impacting York County taxpayers who are already feeling the pinch of the state budget crisis.
Wheeler called on state leaders to resolve the impasse and deliver a functioning government for Pennsylvanians.
