I Can't Afford My Legislatures Anymore!

Next time your state lawmaker comes around to press the flesh, press him on this: Why has the cost of operating the Pennsylvania Legislature jumped by more than 70 percent over the past 10 years?

Over the same period the state's budget has grown about 48 percent and the governor's spending is up about 7 percent, based on an analysis done by The Times-Tribune of Scranton. The price tag for running the General Assembly: $347 million.

Oh, there have been some constituent services added, such as improved Internet access to track bills. But the lion's share is consumed by salaries and perks. Lots of them. They add up fast, with salaries starting at more than $72,000, plus a generous pension plan, plus no-cost health care, plus car-leasing subsidies of up to $650 a month, plus per diem reimbursements of $141 for each day spent in Harrisburg.

Then there are assorted other costs, such as lawmakers' newsletters and the distribution of flags ($48,000 a year). And, who pays for these constituent services? Not the lawmakers.

While the perked-out prima donnas accrue their fortunes — and spend your money on constituent services — consider this: Unspent money budgeted for the Legislature doesn't go back into the General Fund. It's rolled over as a "continuing appropriation" — in effect, a slush fund that's now up to $135 million.

The buck stops with each and every lawmaker to lead by example. They can start by trimming their own budgetary bloat.

And we, the voters, can have our say on May 16th, the date of the primary election.

Editorial, Author Unknown
nopropertytaxes@yahoo.com