Governor

Pennsylvania Counties Fight Back Against State's Stalemate

Pennsylvania's cash-strapped counties are saying enough is enough as the state government's budget impasse nears its sixth month.

The stalemate between Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf and Republican lawmakers has meant a lack of state funding for counties, school districts and nonprofits, which in turn have reduced staff, slashed services and borrowed money.

The County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania says it's exploring the possibility of a lawsuit to force state government to fund services for children, senior citizens, addicts, and mentally disabled and mentally ill people.

Its lawyers are also researching whether counties can withhold money they collect on behalf of the state.

Bucks County isn't waiting for a legal opinion. The county says it's withholding millions of dollars a month it collects in real estate transfer taxes and court fees.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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