For Immediate Release
6/18/08

State Employees Should Not Be Used as Leverage in Budget Disputes

HARRISBURG – Senators Jeff Piccola (R-15) and Pat Vance (R-31) commented today on the Governor's plan to furlough state employees if a budget is not approved by June 30th.

"While there are indications that the Governor may be altering his position on furloughs, we encourage him to make a clear commitment not to disrupt the lives of state employees by using them as pawns in budget negotiations.  We have great empathy for the workers who are being held captive to the Governor's agenda," Vance said.

Piccola emphasized that these budget tactics have been a reoccurring theme throughout the Rendell Administration and the citizens of the Commonwealth are always paying the price.  "Another late budget will help this Governor achieve the dubious distinction of having the worst on-time budget record in recent memory.  Governor Milton Shapp, who served from 1971 – 1979, had timely budgets in five out of his eight years in office," he said.

"Governor Richard Thornburgh, who served from 1979 – 1987, also had budgets passed on time in six of his eight years in office.  Governor Bob Casey, who served from 1987 – 1995, had budgets on time six out of his eight years in office," Piccola added.  "And as we know, the modern champions of on-time budgets were Governors Tom Ridge and Mark Schweiker who served from 1995 – 2003 and were eight for eight in on time budgets."

"This Governor has sought to leverage the livelihoods of state employees to spend ever more taxpayer money, including increasing numerous fees and taxes and incurring massive indebtedness to be paid by future generations of Pennsylvanians," said Piccola.  "What Pennsylvania needs is real leadership, a timely budget, and fiscal restraint for the people of this Commonwealth without using our state employees as pawns in this entire process," he said.

"This week the Senate passed a supplemental appropriations bill that allows unspent funds to pay the salaries of state employees who the Governor has threatened to furlough," Vance said. "We strongly encourage the House to approve this legislation quickly, thus eliminating any excuse to raid the Rainy Day Fund to keep these workers on the job."

Contact:

Colleen Greer, (Piccola's Office)
717-787-6801
Tracy Polovick, (Vance's Office)
717-787-8524

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