For Immediate Release
6/26/08

Piccola & Marsico to Unveil Legislation Establishing Timeline for Future Budgets

HARRISBURG – Senator Jeff Piccola (R-15) and Representative Ron Marsico (R-105) announced today plans to introduce legislation establishing a timeline for all future state budgets, by proposing sanctions to be embedded in the Pennsylvania Constitution and Administrative Code.

Under Piccola and Marsico's proposals, the House of Representatives would be required to pass a General Appropriations bill by June 1, and the Senate would be required to pass the same bill in some form by June 15.  If necessary, no later than June 20, a special Conference Committee consisting of six Representatives and six Senators would be created in accordance with the rules of the House and the Senate to deliberate on the General Appropriations bill.  A final General Appropriations bill would then be presented to the Governor no later than June 30.  If any of the deadlines are not met (June 1, June 15, June 20, or June 30), the daily pay for each member of the offending chamber, or chambers, would be docked until appropriate action is taken.

"From 1971 through 2002, only six budgets went past the June 30 deadline.  Every one of these budgets was late because of disputes over higher taxes, excessive spending, and how to prioritize both.  Over the last six consecutive years, from 2003 to 2008, late budgets have become the norm.  This has created a nightmare of threatened furloughs and has led to the shutdown of some state services already paid for by the taxpayers," said Piccola.  "It is high time for this process to change, and the legislation that we'll be unveiling in both chambers will put an end to these budget games."

Marsico emphasized that recent history has shown the need for this legislation.  "Virtually every one of these recent late budgets has been caused by disputes over issues outside of spending and taxes.  In 2004, Governor Rendell wanted slot machines and so-called property tax relief.  In 2005, it was the pay raise.  In 2006, it was increasing minimum wage and the Jonas Salk Fund for medical research.  In 2007, it revolved around borrowing to bail out mass transit, alternative energy proposals, and health care.  This year, 2008, it is again delayed because of disputes over the level of support for energy and health care legislation, which are both off-budget items," he said.

"While it is certainly important these issues be brought up and debated, the months of May and June should be devoted almost exclusively to budget spending and how to finance that spending.  Holding the budget hostage in order to leverage other legislative proposals is not responsible governance," added Piccola.

"Our focus, every year, needs to be passing a responsible budget in a timely fashion in order to do the right thing for the people of Pennsylvania.  They are counting on us," said Marsico. 

CONTACT:     

Colleen Greer (Piccola's Office) 787-6801
Autumn Southard (Marsico's Office), 787-2946

Additional Information:
Reforming Government

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