Scarnati: Governor Suspends Constitution

WARREN—Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati is concerned with the precedent Governor Ed Rendell is setting with suspending instant background checks for gun purchases.

According to Scarnati, the Governor is moving forward with computer upgrades to the Pennsylvania Instant Check System during the Labor Day weekend. The poor timing of the upgrades is unconscionable to gun owners, sportsmen, and retailers in the Commonwealth.

"Clearly, the Rendell Administration has decided to suspend the Constitution for a few days," Scarnati said. "This is just another example of how the Administration does not understand the rights of gun owners and sportsmen. This is unwarranted and, quite frankly, unnecessary."

Scarnati mentioned that he has been working with the Administration to change the date for the upgrades due to thousands of sales being affected during this busy time of year. However, Rendell obviously feels a need to shut down the system at this time.

"It is just disturbing to me that this is the only system that apparently needs to be shutdown in order to do upgrades," Scarnati stated. "As a gun owner and a sportsman, I am appalled by this action."

"When the upgrade is concluded, it is my hope that no one attempts to link the suspension of gun sales with crime," Scarnati concluded. "It would be an argument even more ridiculous than the suspension itself."