HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) – Independence Day will pass without the state budget, which was supposed to be presented on June 30. Pennsylvania state lawmakers will take a break for the holiday, but will return on Friday and work through the weekend.

Education funding remains a major hurdle when it comes to how much money is paid out to schools. Senate Republican Leader Joe Pittman reiterated that there are 500 school districts and each has a different idea of ​​what “fair funding” is.

All sides say they are working hard and productively on the budget and hope to get something done soon.

During a press conference Tuesday afternoon, Pittman said that “the details matter” as he tries to negotiate a deal.

“Words on paper are important,” Pittman said. “And as we always say, if everything is not agreed, nothing is agreed. But I remain optimistic and hope that we will complete this process in the next few days. How exactly that will happen remains an open question.”

Governor Josh Shapiro called for a $48 billion budget, but Pittman said he was “pretty confident it will be less” but did not elaborate on how much.

“Governor Shapiro and legislative leaders have worked hard to pass a budget that benefits our Commonwealth,” the governor's spokesman Manuel Bonder said Wednesday afternoon. “The governor engaged in positive, productive dialogue with leaders of both parties in Harrisburg – and he will continue to do so in the days ahead as we work to finalize this deal. Governor Shapiro is the only governor in the country with a divided legislature – and that requires us to come together to make progress on the issues facing Pennsylvania. The governor is grateful that all sides have stayed at the table, understand the need for compromise, and are working hard to make this happen.”