HARRISBURG – Senator James J. Rhoades (R-29) issued the
following statement today on the current state budget impasse.
"Right now, our job is to pass the budget, fund essential
services and make sure that 25,000 dedicated state employes aren't laid off
on Monday.
"That is exactly what the Senate has done. And we did it two
weeks ago.
"And we did it with bi-partisan support.
"But the Governor is refusing to negotiate the budget until
we agree to a menu of initiatives that have nothing to do with the budget.
"Now, state government may shut down because the Governor
won't get serious about the budget.
"We need to pass the budget. And we won't be held hostage to
the Governor's demands on other issues.
"That's the job we get paid to do. And I am doing it, right
here and right now."
