Cutler Issues Statement on House’s Failure to Meet the Budget Deadline
HARRISBURG -- Rep. Bryan Cutler (R-100) issued the following statement regarding the vote taken by the House to continue budget negotiations past the statutory deadline:

“We had an opportunity (Sturday) evening to pass a no-tax-increase budget for the citizens of Pennsylvania. This budget would have restored funding to programs slashed in the governor’s budget, and it would have controlled spending. Agreeing to the Senate’s version of the budget would have been a responsible action. Because of this vote, we will have to continue budget negotiations, which will likely be controlled by House Democrats. Additionally, Pennsylvania, for the fifth year in a row, will not have a budget by the statutory deadline of June 30.

“The citizens of Pennsylvania have called for a more accountable and responsive state government, and, by not passing the budget on time, certain members of this body are again disregarding the will of the people. This budget was returned from the Senate 10 days ago, and yet we waited until the day of the statutory deadline to consider their version. It is unfortunate that Gov. Ed Rendell and the Democrat members of the House are not disciplined and conscientious enough to get their act together.

“The only common denominator over the past five budget cycles has been the obstructionist tactics of the governor. We have new leadership in the House and Senate along with 55 new members. We have gotten the message for the need for reform, I only wish the governor would listen too. Furthermore, I, along with the other taxpayers in my district, am tired of the Commonwealth reaching into everyone’s pockets to fund projects in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. We are funding mass transit, stadiums and other big projects for the big cities while rural Pennsylvania is struggling to get roads and bridges repaired.

“Although I am disappointed by the vote taken on this budget (Saturday evening), I am eager to continue to work with the other members of the Legislature and the Governor’s Office to pass a spending plan that is fair to all of the people of Pennsylvania. I am hopeful that we can come to a timely compromise that will adequately fund our necessary programs without raising taxes. I am also hopeful that the governor will yield in tying this budget to other issues in the state that can be solved separately. ”