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Auditor General: School Audits Will Reflect Budget Impasse

HARRISBURG, Pa. (KDKA/AP) - Pennsylvania's elected fiscal watchdog says his department's audits of school districts will now include costs resulting from the state government's budget impasse.

Auditor General Eugene DePasquale said Tuesday that more than 80 percent of Pennsylvania's 500 school districts are considering borrowing or dipping into their reserves as the school year begins while state subsidies remain frozen.

DePasquale says auditors will collect information about interest expenses, penalties for late payments and other costs associated with the stalemate. The Democrat said he eventually expects to compile that information from all districts, but that he'll publicize partial totals to keep the public informed.

A new state budget was due July 1. But Republicans who control the Legislature and Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf remain at odds over taxes, public pensions and liquor sales.

Meanwhile, House Democrats took a creative approach to raising awareness about the budget battle in Harrisburg.

Several House Democrats are featured in a YouTube video performing the "Whip" and "Nae Nae."

You can watch the video here:

Pa. House Democrats dance the 'Whip/Nae Nae' for budget awareness (VIDEO) by dianaXBox on YouTube

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