This marks the third straight year our Commonwealth has missed the July 1 budget deadline, which is mandated in the state’s constitution. With each passing day of inaction, the consequences grow more real for our small businesses, counties, school districts and nonprofits. Here in Chester, Delaware, and Philadelphia Counties, where we pride ourselves on economic competitiveness and quality of life, a prolonged budget impasse puts critical services and future growth at risk.
 
At the Chambers, we believe a strong, balanced state budget should include smart, pro-growth economic policies, alongside the resources needed to support education, public safety, and human services.

​Trump Administration Domestic Agenda Signed Into Law
Budget reconciliation legislation, or the “Big Beautiful Bill” as named by President Trump was signed into law by him on July 4th after earlier passing the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 216–214 on July 3rd. The measure was approved by the Senate on July 1st  by 51-50, with Vice President JD Vance casting the tie-breaking vote, following a 24-hour vote-a-rama during a budget reconciliation process that allowed passage with a simple majority. Republican Senators Susan Collins (ME), Thom Tillis (NC), and Rand Paul (KY) joined all Democrats in voting against the bill, citing concerns over Medicaid cuts, clean energy provisions, and the $5 trillion debt ceiling increase, respectively. The Senate's version, shaped by Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) and Finance Committee Chair Mike Crapo (R-ID), made significant changes to the House-passed bill, including permanent business tax cuts, deeper Medicaid reductions, and accelerated phaseouts of clean energy tax credits.
 
The passage was marked by intense negotiations, particularly to secure the vote of Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), a key swing vote. Murkowski, after extensive discussions with Thune and Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-WY), secured concessions such as expanded SNAP exemptions for Alaska, clean energy tax credit adjustments, and a unique tax break for bowhead whaling boat captains, increasing deductions from $10,000 to $50,000. The vote-a-rama saw several amendments, including the Graham substitute amendment #2360, which incorporated a final "wraparound" amendment addressing Medicaid and clean energy provisions, adopted by a vote of 51-50. The Klobuchar amendment #2849, aiming to strike a SNAP cost-share provision, failed 45-55, with some Democrats from high-error-rate states joining Republicans to preserve exemptions.

The U.S. The House of Representatives has passed the "Big Beautiful Bill" (BBB), a expansive tax reform proposal that updates key provisions of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The 1,000 page bill aims to streamline the tax code, encourage investment, and offer relief to middle class families, workers, and institutions. The Bill is now headed to the Senate, where debate and revisions are expected ahead of potential July 4 passage.
 
Tax Relief for Individuals and Families
A significant feature of the BBB is the permanent increase in the estate and gift tax exemption to $15 million, beginning in 2026, providing relief to families, farmers, and small business owners who wish to transfer assets without large tax burdens.