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Friday, August 07, 2009

Lawmakers Pay Themselves First (But Smith Won't Take It)

State workers will have to wait another week to be paid for days they have worked since July 1, but House Democratic lawmakers have checks in hand. They paid themselves first.

Their paychecks were issued Tuesday as they voted on a $27.3 billion budget, which Gov. Ed Rendell yesterday chopped to $11 billion through line-items vetoes. He left intact funding for such items as public safety, state parks and employees' pay.

At least one House Democrat -- Matt Smith of Mt. Lebanon -- says he won't cash his check until state workers are paid, too.

Link: www.postgazette.com/pg/09218/989004-454.stm
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2 comments:

  1. John EwingAugust 07, 2009 9:31 AM

    The Governor Blue Lined the House and Senate Salaries. How is Matt Smith getting a check?

    ReplyDelete
  2. ginaAugust 07, 2009 12:50 PM

    Kudos to Matt Smith- he sets a high standard that I hope more of our lawmakers locally and statewide on both sides of the aisle would follow.

    John- The article answers your question-"The money was available even before the governor signed the straw budget because the Legislature has a reserve fund to fund its operations in case of a budget impasse in which the governor cuts off funding"

    Read more: http://www.postgazette.com/pg/09218/989004-454.stm#ixzz0NW43qxVO

    ReplyDelete

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