|
|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
|
State
Rep. Peter J. Daley |
|
Daley frustrated with budget stalemate
HARRISBURG, July 2 – After two days with no budget for fiscal year 2009-10 in place, the committee chairman, state Rep. Peter J. Daley, D-Washington/Fayette, said he is frustrated that once again, Pennsylvania did not meet the budget deadline.
"The Republicans and the Senate walked away from negotiations instead of working out a deal," Daley said. "The art of government is compromise, and at this time it looks as though no one in that caucus wants to give a little. This can’t be 'my way or the highway.'"
The budget stalemate will continue through the Independence Day long weekend. Talks are scheduled to resume again on Monday.
"This is no holiday, no time for vacation, we need to get down to business, work things out and get this budget passed," Daley said. "I am frustrated that, again, we are being sent home over a weekend -- a weekend that could be used to maintain an active dialogue and negotiations."
Last week, Daley called on legislative leaders and the governor to continue negotiations into the weekend to get the budget accomplished and he is reiterating that request for this coming weekend.
"Budgets are never easy, especially when revenues are down like this year, but there is no reason that Pennsylvania should be forced to go a single day longer without a budget."
Daley noted that more deadlines are looming. State employees will remain at work during this stalemate; however, they could see decreased paychecks starting July 17 if a budget isn't passed.
"This is causing an immense amount of
stress on the state employees. People cannot afford to miss a paycheck," Daley
said. "There should be no rest until this budget is passed."
###