Senate Republicans Renew Call for Bipartisan Agreement to Complete Taxpayer-Friendly Budget

HARRISBURG – Senate Republicans today urged Gov. Rendell and House Democrats to finish the state's most pressing job: completing a taxpayer-friendly state budget.

"We had hoped that this year's budget and the entire budget process would be different than the past," said Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson). "We did everything in our power to make that happen. There is new leadership this year in both the Senate and the House, and the only common denominator is Gov. Rendell. It has become apparent that the governor prefers business as usual and he is not truly interested in a transparent state budget process."

Senate Appropriations Chairman Gib Armstrong (R-Lancaster) said the caucus's goals have been simple and consistent. "We are aware of the criticisms of previous state budgets, including spending levels two or three times the inflation rate and a lack of concern about the consequences large spending increases have on future budgets. Too often, the budget process has involved stretching revenue as far as possible to squeeze in as much spending as possible, and then adding some more to seal the deal. The taxpayers cannot afford this approach any longer. The budget we passed should be the basis for a realistic and responsible budget settlement. And sooner, rather than later."

"It is unfortunate that the governor seems to think our desire to study and improve his specific proposals is somehow a personal rejection of his priorities," said Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-Chester). "It is, of course, nothing of the sort. There are legitimate policy differences that need to be worked out. The people did not elect a Republican-controlled Senate to rubber-stamp the governor's ideas. They expect us to do a fair and thorough job – which is all we are attempting to do."

Senate Republicans will continue pressing for a budget resolution. "Our leadership is available to meet with the governor seven days a week," said Sen. Pileggi.

Contacts:

Tim Nyquist (Sen. Scarnati)
(717) 787-7084

Erik Arneson (Sen. Pileggi)
(717) 787-4712

Dave Atkinson (Sen. Armstrong)
(717) 787-6535