PA House Republicans Beg for Budget Cuts

Republican State Representatives gathered reporters today to blast the Governor and praise the budget moved by the State Senate. The Senate proposed a spending bill that is much smaller than the one proposed by Gov. Ed Rendell. Among the biggest cuts is funding for the Department of Community and Economic Development. State Rep. Curt Schroder says the DCED is the “epicenter of pork ad waste.” He admits there are many worthwhile programs run by the DCED but he says that is also where all the so-called WAMS or discretionary funds are hidden. State Rep. Mike Turzai of the north hills says past budgets are to blame for the current budget short falls not the economic slowdown. He says if Pennsylvania lawmakers had been able hold spending increases to the rate of inflation over the last 6 years the state would have a budget surplus not a deficit. State Rep Daryl Metcalfe agrees. He says lawmakers are always looking to cut deals and can often be found walking the halls of the capitol wit their hands out looking to fund some special project. Metcalfe is sponsoring a taxpayer’s protest in Harrisburg Saturday.