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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Mike Carroll |
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Rep. Carroll pleased budget agreement is reached;
urges legislators to remember there is still work to be done
HARRISBURG, Oct. 14 – On Friday, the state House and Senate completed work on essential parts of the state budget by passing the Fiscal Code and a $27.8 billion General Fund budget that has been signed by the governor.
State Rep. Mike Carroll, D-Luzerne/Monroe, said he is pleased the Senate, House and governor were finally able to reach an agreement and close an unfortunate and sad chapter in the history of Pennsylvania governance.
"The passage of the 2009-10 budget completes a vital task that should have been accomplished months ago," Carroll said. "While the lengthy delay resulted in significant hardship for many Pennsylvanians, the economic circumstances we faced in developing the budget were extraordinary. The unprecedented recession experienced throughout the nation resulted in huge deficits for our state."
Carroll also cautioned his fellow legislators to remember that there is still work to be done. When the House reconvenes in November, it will take up a measure that would legalize table games at Pennsylvania casinos and generate a part of the final revenue mix needed to erase a $3.2 billion shortfall.
"This issue of expanding gaming to include table games, such as blackjack and roulette, has been one of the major lynchpins in this year's budget discussions," Carroll said. "While I still have some reservations about this expansion, it seems clear to me that society has made a choice on gaming as evidenced by the public's willingness to wager on slots and participate in gaming activities at volunteer fire halls, church picnics and various other events sponsored by community groups."
Carroll said he is pleased that important appropriations for the 118th District were included in the final budget package, including authorization to provide funding for replacement of the unsafe, high-hazard dam located at Camp Minsi in Tobyhanna Township, Monroe County.
"This dam serves the needs of the Boy Scouts of the Minsi Trails Council and also protects downstream residents in Tobyhanna Township," Carroll said. "Funding authorization for the Stillwater Dam project was among my highest priorities this year and I'm thankful for the support of many of my colleagues in the Senate and House."
Although most lines in the final budget were cut, public education came out a winner, Carroll said. "The additional state and federal funds allocated to Pennsylvania schools should minimize the need for our area school districts to increase property taxes," he said.
Carroll said it is important for the General Assembly to use this year's 101-day budget impasse as a learning experience and ensure that it never happens again.
"I will do all I can as a member of a 253-person legislature to ensure this process is not duplicated in future years," Carroll said. "The delayed passage of a budget is simply not acceptable, and each member must reaffirm his or her unyielding commitment to enact future budgets before July 1. Under no circumstances can an episode like this occur again."
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