TIME TO WRAP UP BUDGET

Governor’s legislative agenda should take backseat

Senator Bob Regola (R-39) today criticized the Governor and House Democratic leadership for delaying enactment of a state budget and creating a situation that could result in the furloughing of more than 20,000 state employees.

“It is ludicrous that six days after the Constitutional requirement for passage of a state budget, the Governor continues to put his personal agenda before the needs of the citizens and is threatening thousands of state workers and their families. The basic question is, if the Governor’s package of priority legislation is so wonderful for Pennsylvania, then why does he have to threaten the well-being of the people who work for him in order to get it passed? 

            “There are good elements in some of the Governor’s proposals that merit further study and consideration. But, here we are in a hostage situation, one in which the Governor is saying pass these bills or thousands of workers and their families will suffer. Maybe that’s how they define leadership in the Philadelphia Mayor’s Office, and I certainly hope that is not the case, but it is an unbelievable tactic to be used by a Governor.

            “I remain committed to working toward a budget resolution. As the author of the Taxpayer Fairness Act Constitutional Amendment legislation, I support the budget package that we approved by a bi-partisan 49-1 vote on June 20 that included no tax increases and held spending in check. That budget should be our top priority.”

###

Contact:           Tom Hower                  (717) 787-6063