HARRISBURG, PA – May 6, 2026 − Today, May 6, is the last day of the Senate session until June 1, 2026. However, despite the long break, Republican senators have not introduced any bills to raise wages, reduce costs or work on Pennsylvania’s 2026-2027 budget, which is due on June 30.
On behalf of the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus, Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa AND Senate Democratic Appropriations Chairman Vincent Hughes propose the following statement:
“Senate Republicans’ willingness to waste valuable time in this chamber is downright disgraceful. While Pennsylvanians pay skyrocketing utility bills, cut health care, and struggle to put food on their tables, Senate Republicans wasted a week in Harrisburg on absurd culture war bills that will do nothing to lower costs for families.”
“Senate Democrats remain focused on raising wages and easing the pain of Trump’s affordability crisis. We have introduced popular, bipartisan legislation that will put money directly into the pockets of hard-working families. The House sent us a budget vehicle several weeks ago, and we remain committed to working with all parties on budget negotiations.”
“But what have Republican senators done with these bills? Absolutely nothing, as they so often do. Pennsylvanians deserve leadership that solves the problems that plague voters, not leadership that fabricates distractions and gibberish that wastes everyone’s time.”
“Senate Democrats strongly urge our Republican colleagues to get serious about introducing legislation and a budget product that will keep Pennsylvania families affordable. We are disappointed that Republican leadership failed to do so this week and sincerely hope they come to their senses by June 1.”
You can read more about the Senate Democrats’ Affordability Action Plan here.
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