SEPTA is moving forward with their plans to implement drastic cuts and fare hikes for riders across the Pennsylvania region after lawmakers in Harrisburg failed to reach a deal to secure funding for the transit agency’s $213 million budget deficit. As hundreds of thousands of SEPTA customers brace for the impact, NBC10’s Lauren Mayk speaks with Sen. Joe Picozzi, a Philadelphia Republican who tried to push forward a GOP-backed funding bill that was ultimately voted down by a House committee. Watch and listen to their interview in the latest episode of Battleground Politics.

0:47 -- Reaction to upcoming SEPTA cuts

1:27 -- SEPTA's reaction to Senate's proposal

2:28 -- Reaction to Democratic supported House bill that didn't pass

3:43 -- Communicating with fellow GOP lawmakers

4:51 -- Reaction to Gov. Shapiro calling him out

6:00 -- Communicating with Democratic lawmakers

6:50 -- Working to secure funding for SEPTA

7:33 -- Next steps for securing funding

8:16 -- Funding and SEPTA safety

9:04 -- SEPTA fare increases and affordability

10:26 -- Willingness to compromise on funding bill

11:24 -- Flat budget with no additional spending

12:04 -- Message to SEPTA riders amid upcoming cuts

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