Budgetary indigestion
House Republicans didn’t bother to chew on the half-baked budget the governor presented them. They wolfed it down without even nibbling at the contents. If that is all they plan to do in addressing Pennsylvania’s sorry financial state, then they deserve all the indigestion their constituents are bound to inflict. Gov. Ed Rendell this week handed the General Assembly a budget so austere that even Republicans in their 8-year reign of Harrisburg were not bold enough to suggest. That’s because the cuts are so deep that few will remain unaffected.
Sure House Republicans could boast that state taxes will not go up, but Pennsylvanians will still pay more. Schools held at zero-increases in subsidies will be forced to hike property taxes. Colleges and universities will receive less, meaning tuition hikes. Programs that provide health care to the poor will suffer. Hospitals, mental health care, drug rehab – all cut. There will be less funds distributed to local municipalities. Look for hikes in water and sewerage rates.
And what about jobs. The budget calls for closing the state prison in Waynesburg. If this were to occur, those employed at SCI-Waynesburg will most likely snag the new jobs at SCI-Fayette, knocking out many potential slots. But it isn’t just those who depend directly on the state for a paycheck. What about the many businesses that count on providing goods and services through state contracts? Or, the government packages that are used to lure employers to relocate or expand?
We aren’t saying a strong hand wielding a bold red pen isn’t needed for every facet of Pennsylvania’s budget. But budget makers must keep in mind the price and the value of each line item. We would hope that the House Republicans recognize that while they quickly passed a budget that strips state funding to the nitty-gritty, their work isn’t finished.
They still need to hold budget hearings and listen to what department heads and constituents have to say. They also need to seriously consider the governor’s second part of the budget – one that calls for investing in Pennsylvania’s future and realigning school funding.
To do less would be abdicating their role in good government. It’s a message the Democratic governor wouldn’t have a hard time delivering to eager ears as he crisscrosses the state selling his plan.
The tactic used by the House Republicans might play well in Harrisburg, but Pennsylvanians who care little for politics and more about jobs, health care, good schools and property taxes are sick of choking on the bull.