SCRANTON -- What if the state's budget stalemate continues to drag on and on? It's already been 92 days without an agreement.
On Wednesday, several human services agencies and schools in Lackawanna County participated in a planned "mock government shutdown," but there wasn't too much "mock" about it. These agencies are already having to make tough decisions.
At the Meals on Wheels of Northeast PA office that serves Lackawanna County, there's a "closed" sign on the door, but inside the place in Scranton, it's a different picture.
The staff is still busy making about 800 meals for senior citizens and the homebound, but they won't be able to do so for very much longer if state funding runs out.
"In order to serve my immobile, homebound clients, I need to cut something, so I'm going to have to make a decision. I'm going to have to choose. It's like choosing your favorite child, what do you do?" asked Kristen Kosin.
One of those so-called children is the West Side Senior Center, likely one of the first to have its Meals on Wheels program cut. They are facing a double-edged sword, though. Not only are organizers losing their meals, they're also losing their own funding.
"It's interconnected and things could go downhill pretty quickly if it gets to the point," said Cathy Hardaway. "There's no meals, and then we can serve for a little bit, and if there's no money, then it's really time to shut down."
Without Meals on Wheels, the West Side Senior Center says it will be able to serve lunch for its 65 seniors and still provide health screenings but only for a little while.
"It wouldn't bother me because I'm capable of going shopping, which I do, and I have food at my apartment, but I'd still eat. I wouldn't have the camaraderie that I have here, but I'd still eat," said Chuck Weber.
"I live by myself and I count on this every day," said Cindy Desarno. "I come every day and it would be a big disappointment if we had to lose time here."
At lunch, officials from the senior center passed out information about their "mock shutdown" that could very soon become a reality.
"It's a shame that our politicians are goofing everything up for the senior citizens," Weber added.
It has been three months without a state budget.
Social service directors expect their agencies could shut down in as early as a few weeks if a budget is not passed soon.