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This boob was doing his job
When elected in 2006, I had a clear mandate to shake up the status quo in Harrisburg by standing up for my constituents. As the economy collapsed, it became clear this would be a very tough budget year, and different factions developed across party, regional and ideological lines.
Gov. Rendell wanted to raise income taxes to fund his initiatives. Senate Republicans wanted to cut those programs down to virtually nothing, decimating jobs and social services. Southeast
Democrats pushed to increase social spending, while we in the Southwest heard the cry of "no new taxes" loud and clear. House Republicans, the minority party, railed against everything for political purposes.
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House Democrats convinced the governor to scrap his proposed income tax increase. The Senate Republicans gave in on legalizing table games to generate revenue. Everyone gave a little until a budget came together.
Look at the finished product. We cut over $2 billion in spending, filled a $3.5 billion hole and balanced the budget for next year without a sales or income tax increase. We spent less money than last year.
In a state as economically and socially diverse as Pennsylvania, finding a balance is difficult when times are good; it was nearly impossible this summer. The stalemate wasn't because none of us cared, but because we care so much about how our hometowns, schools and libraries will be affected by the decisions we make as a legislature.
Jesse White
Cecil Township
The writer is the state representative for the 46th District.
Okay then .... : 9/25/2009
That being the case, in reality, then keep it up. NO MORE TAXES and reduce the ones already having oppressed the people and this state.
Give backs... : 9/25/2009
Mr. White, what have the legislators given back? Have they eliminated “WAMs”?, or are there still going to be hundreds of millions of dollars doled out so the incumbents can retain their seats? Have they given back the $250,000,000 surplus in the Legislative account? Have they been willing to pay for a portion of their health care, like nearly every other working Pennsylvanian has to do, or will they still require the taxpayers to pick up the entire tab. Would love to see your answers in this forum, Rep. White. Doubt if I will.
Yeah yeah yeah.... : 9/25/2009
Did you get your WAM money for the upcoming year? You guys aren't fooling anyone anymore....
Meanwhile.... : 9/25/2009
....there continues to be no agreement, and he is writing letters because he is too thin skinned to take it.
This letter... : 9/25/2009
...reminds me of his old blog on the OR. Acts like an opera singer (me me me) and never accountable when questioned on his own actions.
Say what? : 9/26/2009
Quote: "There was something reaffirming about the stalemate; " Did I read this right? Let us get this straight, count the time -- one, two, three (not quite) months late, and this is a good thing? The June 30 deadline was no surprise. What other entity (e.g. business) could provide an outcome three months late, and still find it a good thing? The above letter is valuable to have been written and printed in the local paper. It confirms the initial letter asserting those in Harrisburg are "boobs." If there was any doubt after the initial letter, the response removes the doubt. What I hear in this letter is some high-fives, some back slapping, some glee about what a good job the political leaders in Harrisburg have done. Rather than being ashamed and apologizing for the lousy job, I read about finger pointing and blame assessment. Voters, remember letters such as this at the next election.
Say what? : 9/28/2009
Quote: "There was something reaffirming about the stalemate; " Did I read this right? Let us get this straight, count the time -- one, two, three (not quite) months late, and this is a good thing? The June 30 deadline was no surprise. What other entity (e.g. business) could provide an outcome three months late, and still find it a good thing? The above letter is valuable to have been written and printed in the local paper. It confirms the initial letter asserting those in Harrisburg are "boobs." If there was any doubt after the initial letter, the response removes the doubt. What I hear in this letter is some high-fives, some back slapping, some glee about what a good job the political leaders in Harrisburg have done. Rather than being ashamed and apologizing for the lousy job, I read about finger pointing and blame assessment. Voters, remember letters such as this at the next election.
Responses to Rep. White. : 9/28/2009
Why aren't all the responses to Rep. White posted here? I wrote on Friday, asking if the "giving a little" including giving up WAMs, giving up the $250,000,000 Rainy Day fund the Legislature has kept for itself, and if the Legislature intends to pay any of its health insurance premiums the way everyone else does? I challenged Rep. White to respond, but the O-R has chosen not to post it yet. Find it very hard to believe only 3 people responded to Mr. White.
White flag? Finished product? : 9/29/2009
As of Tuesday, Sep 28, Mr. White will have to wave the white flag. The "finished product" of which he speaks, one that came as a result of "being in Harrisburg working," does not exist. Hearing Rep Turzai this morning in an interview, he made it clear that there is no agreement on a bill for vote. He suggests that the Democrats do not have the votes to pass any proposed legislation. This explains why more than two weeks have passed since "we have a deal," was announced. If Turzai is correct, then all the proclamations, including the one in Mr. White's letter, are bogus. The differences outlined by Turzai are major ones, and the two sides are far from agreement. How many "finished products" will be needed before the budget is passed?
Cahoots? Yes. : 10/1/2009
If you want to see bi-partisan support you only have to look as far as the politician's paychecks, per diems, car leases and insurances, healthcare insurance,and all the other perks that our "representatives" have and have fought to keep. Cahoots? Oh, yes.
