Budget Reactions

“While I do not dispute the need to make substantive government spending cuts in these very difficult economic times, the governor’s budget proposal would hurt the most vulnerable among us and curtail promising economic growth opportunities.” 
Senate Democratic Leader Bob Mellow   READ MORE

"The Governor's cuts are concerning and more examination of the proposals is needed; tough choices will have to continue to be made.  Investing in education and infrastructure, like the Governor has proposed, will put citizens to work and better the future of the Commonwealth."
                           Senator Barry Stout       READ MORE

"We stand to benefit from billions of dollars under President Obama’s recovery plan – a plan that is intended to create jobs.  I don’t see how Pennsylvania could put that cash in its front pocket and keep a plan for layoffs and furloughs in its back pocket."
                      Senator Christine M. Tartaglione       READ MORE

"Some of what was contained in that speech is certain to draw strong criticism and some will draw praise.  But, in the end, we will have to produce a balanced budget through touch choices and sacrifice. The challenge is great, but the stakes are greater."
                      Senator John Wozniak       READ MORE

“I was generally satisfied with what the governor put forth today, but we have an obligation as legislators to obtain input from the public and to take a critical and detailed look at the entire budget.” 
       Senate Democratic Appropriation Chair Jay Costa       READ MORE

“It is important that we first plug the hole in the current year’s budget.  “This budget is a good starting point, although it will mean making some hard sacrifices and require all of us to work together in a bipartisan manner.” 
       Senate Democratic Caucus Chair Vince Hughes       READ MORE

"While we are vastly better off than many of our neighboring states, Pennsylvania presently finds itself in an unprecedented circumstance. Governor Rendell has laid some good plans to combat the economic distress we are facing, but the governor’s address is always a starting point. Now we can get to business and start our negotiations to hopefully hammer out the best possible outcome for everyone."
                      Senator Daylin Leach       READ MORE

“To say that we’re going to have to roll up our sleeves is an understatement; however, I am committed to working with my colleagues to produce a balanced budget that still invests in education, affordable health care and infrastructure projects.” 
       Senate Democratic Vice Chair of Appropriations Mike Stack       READ MORE

"We can achieve the growth we need to pull the Commonwealth out of this recession by making higher education more affordable and rebuilding our intellectual infrastructure. That is why continued investments in education and tuition relief are vital to both long-term economic growth and a brighter future for thousands of Pennsylvanians."
                      Senator Andy Dinniman       READ MORE

"For the Governor to make rate mitigation part of his state budget address shows that it’s a top priority.  I commend him for standing up for working families that are hurting right now.  Even in good economic times, people would be struggling to pay any bill that suddenly increased by 50 or 60 percent.  And right now we are about as far from good economic times as we can get."
                      Senator Lisa Boscola       READ MORE

"There’s a reason why our unemployment rate is lower than the national average: Pennsylvania has made important investments over the past few years.  We need to continue to invest in our citizens’ health, well being and education while focusing on improving our infrastructure, which will provide more jobs and a better environment."
                      Senator Shirley Kitchen       READ MORE