Bear Creek Charter School

While eight Democratic Senators broke rank with their party Sunday night to reach a deal with Republicans to end the federal government shutdown, Pennsylvania has gone more than 130 days without a state budget. That's hitting school districts and charter schools in particular.

Bear Creek Community Charter School could run out of money for payroll or be forced to temporarily close if the state budget impasse reaches into the new year. While school districts statewide deplete fund reserves, secure loans or cancel activities in month five without a state budget, charter schools such as the one in Luzerne County face another financial obstacle.