With major SEPTA service cuts approaching as Pennsylvania’s state budget enters its eighth week overdue, it has become clear that the battle is being waged between the Philadelphia region and the rest of the state, writes Gillian McGoldrick for The Philadelphia Inquirer. 

In his speech last week, Republican Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman, of Indiana County, attacked policies implemented by Philadelphia-area Democrats that he and other Republicans from rural areas see as stifling the economic growth in their communities. 

“Human nature suggests, why should I do anything to help?” Sen. Pittman said, referring to the requested SEPTA funding. “I don’t ever get any help for my region.” 

However, Democratic legislators emphasized that Philadelphia and its surrounding region generate more revenue than rural areas but only receive a fraction of state funding in return. 

“We’re paving, policing, and plowing those roads and bridges in Crawford County and every other rural county here,” said Rep. Ed Neilson, a Philadelphia Democrat. “We’re paying for it.” 

He added that if SEPTA cuts are implemented, everybody in the state will get hurt. 

“If we shut down the economic engine by not getting people to jobs in Philadelphia and Southeast Pa., there are no taxes being paid to this commonwealth,” he said. 

Read more about issues surrounding SEPTA cuts leading to further government struggles about mass transportation in The Philadelphia Inquirer. 

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