(The Center Square) – A leaky roof at the Pennsylvania Capitol building means House lawmakers won’t cast their first votes of 2024 until March 18.
According to an internal memo circulated to legislators and shared with The Center Square, a severe water leak on the top floor of the building damaged areas just above the House chamber. Workers need to erect scaffolding to assess the damage and make any necessary repairs.
The disturbance means the House will convene a session for the governor’s Feb. 6 budget address in the Main Capitol Rotunda rather than the chamber as is customary. The House will not re-adjourn for another six weeks, during which time it will hold hearings to discuss the administration’s spending proposals.
The Center Square contacted House Democratic leadership for comment but did not receive a response before publication.
The Senate has scheduled session days for January and February, though nothing can make it to the governor’s desk without the House.