WEST CHESTER, PA — Chester County’s Board of Commissioners on Thursday passed a resolution pressing Governor Josh Shapiro and the Pennsylvania General Assembly to end the 2025-26 budget impasse, now approaching its third month. The commissioners warned that the prolonged stalemate is straining county resources and jeopardizing essential services.
Commissioner Chair Josh Maxwell said governments must “run predictably and reliably,” adding that the absence of a state budget “jeopardizes services not just for the Commonwealth but also for counties, school districts, and municipalities.”
Chester County has used its fiscal reserves to cover 100% of Human Services programs since July, despite not receiving state reimbursements. Beginning October 1, the county will reduce provider payments tied to state funding sources to 75% of invoiced amounts, with the balance to be paid once a budget is passed. The cuts will affect residential and in-home service providers, though foster parents and Aging Services family caregivers will continue to receive full payments. No county employee furloughs are planned.
“Every day this budget impasse drags on, it puts our children, seniors, and families at risk,” said Commissioner Marian Moskowitz. “Chester County has stepped up for three months to cover 100% of these vital services, but that is not sustainable without state support.”
Commissioner Eric Roe emphasized the county’s appreciation for providers while acknowledging the financial strain. “We value the work that all our providers do and regret any hardship this may create for them,” he said.
County CEO David Byerman underscored Chester County’s fiscal discipline, noting it remains the only county in Pennsylvania with a AAA bond rating from all three major agencies. “We’ve developed a variety of contingency plans that allow us to continue operations unabated during this budget crisis,” Byerman said.
The commissioners’ resolution reflects growing pressure on state leaders as local governments warn of mounting risks from Harrisburg’s inability to reach agreement on a budget.
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