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Northampton County Postpones Centenarian Luncheon Due to State Budget Impasse
September 24, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 24, 2025
[Northampton County, PA] — Northampton County has made the difficult decision to postpone its 11th Annual Centenarian Luncheon, originally scheduled for Thursday, October 2, 2025, at 11:30 AM at Green Pond Country Club in Bethlehem.
The postponement is a direct result of the Republican-led State Senate’s ongoing refusal to pass a state budget. The Pennsylvania Constitution required a budget to be enacted by June 30. Now, three months later, Harrisburg has still failed to pass any budget at all. In the meantime, Northampton County has been forced to spend several million dollars to keep critical services running and protect taxpayers from even greater harm. This luncheon is just one very small piece of the larger budget challenges now confronting the County.
“Republicans in the State Senate have failed the people of Pennsylvania by refusing to pass a budget,” said Lamont G. McClure, Northampton County Executive. “For three months, their dysfunction has left counties like Northampton footing the bill, costing us millions of dollars just to keep essential services going. And now, their failure means we must cancel a celebration for residents who have given more than a century of service and spirit to their community. This is unacceptable. They must do their job, pass a budget, and stop punishing taxpayers and seniors alike. Once a budget is passed, we will move quickly to reschedule this important event.”
Because of this budget crisis, Northampton County is being forced to make critical choices based on the State Senate Republicans’ refusal to do their part. County Executive McClure has made clear that he will not raise taxes on Northampton County residents. Without a state budget, however, the strain on County government will continue to grow, and more programs and services will inevitably be affected.
The Centenarian Luncheon, hosted by the Northampton County Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council, is a cherished annual tradition that honors county residents who are 100 years old or will turn 100 in 2025. Each centenarian and one guest are invited to attend free of charge.
Northampton County remains committed to holding this celebration as soon as a state budget is passed and funding is restored. Updated details will be announced as soon as they are available.