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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 1, 2009
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Conference Committee Moving Beyond Posturing

Compromise needed to end budget impasse 

Today’s meeting of the joint Senate-House Conference Committee after a month-long recess is a step in right direction, but Senator Jane C. Orie (R-40) stressed that expeditious enactment of a fiscally responsible state budget is essential to protect those who rely on state-supported services and agencies.

"All parties must work together to end the budget impasse," Senator Orie said. "Today’s Conference Committee meeting was a step in that direction. It moved beyond posturing and involved a real discussion about real numbers. I believe this reflects the fact that the Governor and the House Democrats now understand that Senate Republicans will not support massive broad-based tax increases."

The six-member Conference Committee reviewed a report prepared by House Democrats on revenue projections for the next three years. The House Democrats also presented a $28.14 billion budget proposal for review that included $210 million in off line spending for long term care bringing their total spend figure to $28.35 billion. The House Republicans countered with a $27.5 billion budget proposal, a 2.5 percent decrease from last year, which the Senate could essentially agree with in concept. The Committee adjourned to give staff a chance to prepare a side-by-side comparison of the budget proposals.

"I hope the Committee can work from this starting point to finalize a spending plan that recognizes and prioritizes the needs of Pennsylvania," Senator Orie said. "There will have to be compromises on the part of all parties, but I am confident that we can enact a budget that relies on practical spending reductions instead of hiking the Personal Income Tax to promote increased spending. However, many vital human service providers, particularly day care providers and rape and domestic violence centers, are now suffering because their state support is being held up by the impasse. We need to move quickly to resolve this impasse."

CONTACT:

Mike Sarfert
(717) 787-6538