Well, got my response on the PA library budget cuts
And maybe someone here can help give me an idea as to how worried I should be for PA's public libraries.
Here it is:
Sent on behalf of Senator Pat Browne
Dear Mr. Hinkle,
I wish to thank you for writing to express your point-of-view regarding SB 850, the Senate’s response to Governor Rendell’s proposed 2009-2010 budget, specifically regarding reducing funding for public libraries. I truly understand your concerns and will most definitely keep your opinions and wishes in mind when these matters are debated both in committee and on the Senate floor.
As many families struggle, the state budget has been strained by an unprecedented decline in revenue. By the end of the state’s fiscal year in June, the budget deficit is projected to grow by an astonishing $3 billion. There are only two ways to deal with this deficit-raise taxes or cut government spending. Because a massive tax increase would be detrimental to families and businesses when they are already struggling through an unprecedented economic downturn, the only responsible alternative to deal with this shortfall is by reducing government spending.
I joined my colleagues in voting for Senate Bill 850, a budget framework that forces government to live within its means. The need for fiscal responsibility has never been greater. SB 850 would balance the budget without the need for crippling tax increases that could stunt job growth and prolong the recession. In addition, we must reflect on how our current actions will affect our ability to provide opportunities for our children and to take care of our most needy citizens in the long term. As Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, I am keenly aware that Pennsylvania is already uncompetitive in regards to the relative tax burden it imposes at the state level. To look to tax increases as a means to solve our short term challenges will only stifle are ability to meet our public obligations in the future.
The responsibility to restrain spending begins in the General Assembly. Senate Bill 850 would cut spending in the House and Senate by 10%, and it would transfer $100 million in legislative reserves to the General Fund to help fund vital government programs and services. The plan would also reduce funding for the judicial branch by 10 percent and cut five perfect from the governor’s proposed funding for the state’s row offices.
For the first time in decades, the state would spend less money than the previous year under Senate Bill 850. While state spending would be reduced by more than $400 million, all of the programs that are vital to public health and safety have been preserved in the spending plan. Federal stimulus funds ensure that public education would be funded at the same level as 2008-2009, a significant accomplishment in such a harsh budget year. I am hopeful that we can restore many of the other cuts to worthwhile programs in the future, but we simply cannot afford to spend money we don’t have right now.
Please keep in mind the Senate Bill 850 is just the beginning of our negotiation process. I and the rest of the Senate Leadership will take very seriously the comments of Pennsylvania citizens in crafting a final spending plan that best utilizes our available resources to fund programs that are performing at the highest level in meeting our common goals and priorities. I believe that this year’s economic climate will necessitate, more than ever, the development of a real set of priorities for state funding. In order to do that, a consensus must be reached that crosses political, geographical and demographical lines. The next steps involve hearings, in-depth study and analysis, spirited debates and ultimately, some manner of synthesis. With luck, the final budget will be adopted by June 30th.
Ultimately, I believe that considering the challenges ahead, working together cooperatively will allow the development of a final budget that will enable Pennsylvania to weather the current economic crisis, meet the current needs of families and seniors and set the stage for a Pennsylvania which is primed to attract growth and opportunities for our children in the future.
Thanks again for taking the time to write me on this historic matter. If there is anything else of a state-related nature that any of my offices can help you with, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Very truly yours,
Senator Pat Browne
Good or bad?
Here it is:
Sent on behalf of Senator Pat Browne
Dear Mr. Hinkle,
I wish to thank you for writing to express your point-of-view regarding SB 850, the Senate’s response to Governor Rendell’s proposed 2009-2010 budget, specifically regarding reducing funding for public libraries. I truly understand your concerns and will most definitely keep your opinions and wishes in mind when these matters are debated both in committee and on the Senate floor.
As many families struggle, the state budget has been strained by an unprecedented decline in revenue. By the end of the state’s fiscal year in June, the budget deficit is projected to grow by an astonishing $3 billion. There are only two ways to deal with this deficit-raise taxes or cut government spending. Because a massive tax increase would be detrimental to families and businesses when they are already struggling through an unprecedented economic downturn, the only responsible alternative to deal with this shortfall is by reducing government spending.
I joined my colleagues in voting for Senate Bill 850, a budget framework that forces government to live within its means. The need for fiscal responsibility has never been greater. SB 850 would balance the budget without the need for crippling tax increases that could stunt job growth and prolong the recession. In addition, we must reflect on how our current actions will affect our ability to provide opportunities for our children and to take care of our most needy citizens in the long term. As Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, I am keenly aware that Pennsylvania is already uncompetitive in regards to the relative tax burden it imposes at the state level. To look to tax increases as a means to solve our short term challenges will only stifle are ability to meet our public obligations in the future.
The responsibility to restrain spending begins in the General Assembly. Senate Bill 850 would cut spending in the House and Senate by 10%, and it would transfer $100 million in legislative reserves to the General Fund to help fund vital government programs and services. The plan would also reduce funding for the judicial branch by 10 percent and cut five perfect from the governor’s proposed funding for the state’s row offices.
For the first time in decades, the state would spend less money than the previous year under Senate Bill 850. While state spending would be reduced by more than $400 million, all of the programs that are vital to public health and safety have been preserved in the spending plan. Federal stimulus funds ensure that public education would be funded at the same level as 2008-2009, a significant accomplishment in such a harsh budget year. I am hopeful that we can restore many of the other cuts to worthwhile programs in the future, but we simply cannot afford to spend money we don’t have right now.
Please keep in mind the Senate Bill 850 is just the beginning of our negotiation process. I and the rest of the Senate Leadership will take very seriously the comments of Pennsylvania citizens in crafting a final spending plan that best utilizes our available resources to fund programs that are performing at the highest level in meeting our common goals and priorities. I believe that this year’s economic climate will necessitate, more than ever, the development of a real set of priorities for state funding. In order to do that, a consensus must be reached that crosses political, geographical and demographical lines. The next steps involve hearings, in-depth study and analysis, spirited debates and ultimately, some manner of synthesis. With luck, the final budget will be adopted by June 30th.
Ultimately, I believe that considering the challenges ahead, working together cooperatively will allow the development of a final budget that will enable Pennsylvania to weather the current economic crisis, meet the current needs of families and seniors and set the stage for a Pennsylvania which is primed to attract growth and opportunities for our children in the future.
Thanks again for taking the time to write me on this historic matter. If there is anything else of a state-related nature that any of my offices can help you with, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Very truly yours,
Senator Pat Browne
Good or bad?