State budget misses deadline, already

(The Center Square) – Three days ahead of schedule, Senate leadership confirmed the state’s annual spending plan will be turned in late.

Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman, R-Indiana, said Thursday before adjourning session that the upper chamber would not return to Harrisburg until Monday – one day after the budget is due on Gov. Josh Shapiro’s desk.

He struck an optimistic tone that negotiations had come far enough to suggest a deal would come together soon – just not before Sunday.

Senate Minority Leader Jay Costa, D-Pittsburgh, echoed Pittman’s comments and said that although there’s still “a significant amount of work to do,” the break will improve the end product.

The House still plans to be in session through Sunday.

This is a developing story.