Budget Impasse Far from Over
Rendell, Democrats push for tax hike
by Ron Marsico
State Representative (R-Lower Paxton)
August 05, 2009
State Representative Ronald S. Marsico serving East/South/West Hanover, Lower Paxton, 105th District
RonMarsico.com
More than a month after the state budget deadline, a temporary budget that will pay state workers and maintain basic government operations is now in place. But the budget impasse is far from over, as the Rendell Administration and House Democrat leaders continue to insist on spending beyond our means.
House Republicans are committed to a responsible budget that funds the core functions of government, making do with what we have.
After holding state employees hostage for more than a month by withholding their paychecks, the passage of the temporary, stopgap budget exchanges them for a much larger group of hostages:
"¢ Public schools, higher education institutions and their students who depend on PHEAA grants.
"¢ Pennsylvanians who rely on social services provided by county governments.
"¢ Veterans who receive state-related services.
"¢ Families who are part of the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
"¢ and thousands more.
It's long past time to get serious about making the tough decisions needed to balance our state budget without a broad-based tax increase. I am hopeful that budget negotiations will resume promptly and, in the coming weeks, we can pass a responsible budget that holds the line on taxes and funds essential services and needs.
Contact Information
District Office:
4401 Linglestown Road, Suite B
Harrisburg, PA 17112
Phone: 717-652-3721
Fax: 717-652-6276 Harrisburg Office:
218 Ryan Office Building
Harrisburg, PA 17120
Phone: 717-783-2014
Fax: 717-705-2010