Two Lawmakers Tell Colleagues: Tighten Your Belts

January 30th, 2008, posted by Greg Palmer

As state government moves into budget season next week, two Allegheny County lawmakers of opposing political parties are urging their colleagues to cut what the Legislature spends on itself by 20 percent.

“It will be very important for anyone who wants my vote on the budget,” said Rep. Matt Smith, a Mt. Lebanon Democrat who teamed with Republican Rep. Randy Vulakovich of Shaler in calling for a reduction in the Legislature’s $333 million budget.

Both are first-term lawmakers, and their chance of pushing through a 20 percent spending cut is slim, said Jack Treadway, chairman of the political science department at Kutztown State University.

“Yeah, right. That’s going to happen,” Treadway said. “I guess two freshmen legislators want to go on the record, and it’ll certainly help them at election time.

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$66,000,000 for Health Care

On January 30th, 2008 Anonymous said:

Cutting the cost of the General Assembly would create 66 million in savings.

I’m sure 66 million would help to reduce concerns about the cost of health care under Rendell’s plan. If we cut costs 25%, we would save $83 million.

It’s hard to know what accounts for the 333 million, but I’m sure some sacrifices could be made. Or is health care just not that important?

lose the weight, buy a new belt

On January 30th, 2008 Anonymous said:

the government is too large. we need to shed the pounds.

-Michael grant

Looking at the article, a 50 % cut should be more in line with what other states spend. No wonder our budget is so bloated and they cant find money for transportation, helth care, education… If they can’t rein in their own spending, how can we expect them to rein in the total state budget?

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/new…

“A representative from the National Conference of State Legislatures told the reform commission last May that the cost of the Pennsylvania Legislature, per resident, was $23 — compared to $5.63 per resident in Illinois, $3.69 in Ohio, $8.20 in California and $10.72 in New York.”

Belts

On January 31st, 2008 Anonymous said:

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