Group Proposes Solutions to Avoid Future Impasses

December 29, 2015

(Harrisburg) – Rock the Capital released a state by state comparison of budget data that includes the following:

  • Target date for passing the budget.
  • Date budget was signed into law.
  • Population of State.
  • Amount of budget.
  • Per capita cost of budget.

Eric Epstein, Coordinator of Rock the Capital stated: “Pennsylvania is infamous for generous legislative compensation packages, remains the second largest legislative body in the nation (1) and regularly bills the taxpayers over $300 million to operate.” Mr. Epstein noted, “Now Pennsylvania has hit a new low:  We are the last state to crawl across the budget finish line.” (2)

Rock the Capital is recommending a six step plan to avert future budget impasses:

  • Hold legislators’ pay in escrow until the budget is signed into law.
  • Hold the Governor’s and cabinet members’ pay in escrow until the budget is signed into law.
  • Compel legislators to pay 100% of their health care until the budget is completed; at which time, they will be reimbursed in kind.
  • Compel the Governor and cabinet members to pay 100% of their health care until the budget is completed; at which time, they will be reimbursed in kind.
  • All days in which the budget is not signed into law after July 1 will not be counted, credited or factored for pension calculation purposes.
  • Prohibit legislators and members of the executive branch – including the Governor – from being reimbursed for travel and lodging until the budget is signed into law.

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1     New Hampshire has 24 Senate members and 400 House members who are paid $200 per two-year term. No per diem is paid to legislators.
2    Illinois passed a stopgap budget on December 20, 2015.