PA Budget Impasse Forces State Shutdown

Monday, July 9, 2007 – At 12:01 AM today, most Pennsylvania state offices and services shut down, and thousands of non-essential employees were furloughed. The fight, as you may have heard, is over the legislature’s failure to pass a state budget which includes several key provisions on energy, mass transit and highway funding that Governor Ed Rendell considers deal breakers.

One of the major sticking points is a $5.40 surcharge on residential electric bills to support an $850 million fund to explore renewable and alternative energy. GOP lawmakers consider this a new tax on Pennsylvania homeowners, especially, they say, since the state is currently enjoying a surplus, and have drawn a line in the sand.. The Governor stood firm, reiterating his claim that finding alternative sources of energy will pay dividends for everyone in the long run.

“The energy policy should not be holding these people hostage,” said Republican State Representative Bill Adolph of Delaware County. “We have a $650 million surplus. There is no budget crisis.”

Similar cries have risen from GOP quarters throughout the state, blaming Rendell for not giving in, and essentially denying 25,000 state workers a living, albeit temporarily. Roughly 52,000 state employees, whose positions are deemed “critical” will continue to work. State police, prison guards, veteran’s services, the PA National Guard, health and welfare departments are among those critical jobs.

Interestingly, the shutdown will not effect the state’s five slot parlors, liquor stores, and lottery system, which are open for the duration. A quick rundown:

Open

Food and animal safety inspections

Birth and death certificate processing

Food stamps, cash assistance, and health care for the poor

Unemployment compensation and workers compensation processing

Hospital and nursing home inspections

Slot parlors

State police patrols

Liquor stores

Lottery

Closed

Permits for mining, oil and gas well drilling

State parks and campgrounds

Driver’s license and motor vehicle registration offices

Grant programs

Museums and Historic sites

Civil service testing

As the story changes hour by hour, we’ll keep you up to date with addendums and post scripts on the developments. Check out our blog, Watercooler Whiners, for updates. Until then, go buy a bottle of booze and a lottery ticket, and drop a few quarters in the local slot machines.