Lawmaker says state’s finances will remain a mess without change

(Harrisburg) — The latest numbers released by the state Revenue Department show tax collections $62.5 million above estimate this fiscal year. But at least one state lawmaker is concerned about the outlook for future years.

Representative Frank Ryan says he’s optimistic many of the issues that needed to be addressed were addressed by the legislature and governor in 2017.

But Ryan says the state has a long way to go to fully right its fiscal ship.

Ryan is hopeful the legislature will face an easier budget process this year than last.

“But unfortunately the Independent Fiscal Office report right after that will tell you that the outlook in the years immediately after next year are not good and that for the four years following that we’re looking at cumulative deficits of $8-billion,.. unless we start getting the spending under control,” Ryan said.

Ryan is concerned that Pennsylvania could go the way of financially-troubled Puerto Rico and Illinois if it does not fully address its fiscal challenges.