7/17/09

HB 1416

                The Chair recognizes the gentlelady from Luzerne County, Representative Mundy.

                Ms. MUNDY. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

                HB 1416 is not the final budget, we all know that. The final budget remains to be negotiated among the House and Senate, Democrats and Republicans, and the Governor, but HB 1416 does say a lot about our priorities. It affirms our values. Astoundingly, the gentleman from Crawford County rose in opposition to HB 1416 because it does not fund district attorneys. He says district attorneys are a State responsibility that will now fall on the counties. Frankly, I am astounded because our bill, HB 1416, is much fairer to school districts and county human services than the amendment he voted for yesterday. This bill does not seek to balance the State budget on the backs of veterans, senior citizens, children, the disabled. It does not neglect State responsibilities and pass those responsibilities down to the local level, to the school districts and the municipalities, which rely on local property taxes to fund those services. HB 1416 makes the necessary investments to keep the State moving forward through this global fiscal crisis. It seeks to minimize job loss among State employees and State contractors, which will inevitably result in job loss in the private sector as well. It seeks to preserve our environment, our State parks, to preserve public education, to care for our seniors and for our children. It provides services for our veterans, public television, libraries, and the arts.

                These are the services that are meaningful to the middle-class constituents that I represent. HB 1416 is a responsible next step in moving this budget process forward. It makes responsible cuts. It makes intelligent choices. It makes wise investments. So I look forward to the House and Senate Republicans coming to the negotiating table to finalize this budget as soon as humanly possible.

                Thank you, Mr. Speaker.