After defeat of $2.3 billion Pa. transportation plan, lawmakers dig in their heels

Legislative leaders in the Pennsylvania House are at an impasse on what to do next in the way of transportation funding.

Democratic caucus leaders say they have a plan that can pass with their members shouldering most of the vote burden.

It’s identical to the $2.3 billion amendment that failed by a narrow margin in the House Monday night — except it does not include prevailing wage law reforms that would reduce pay on public works projects.

That has been a longtime sticking point for caucus members allied with labor groups, said Democratic Minority Leader Frank Dermody.

“This is no surprise … they know, the governor, the secretary knows, and House Republicans know how we feel about that issue,” Dermody said.

But House Speaker Sam Smith is adamant that there is no plan to call up the Democrats’ favored plan for a vote because it wasn’t negotiated among the four legislative caucuses.