For Immediate Release
February 4, 2009
Back

Senator Tomlinson and Senate Republicans Ready to Consider Rendell Budget

HARRISBURG, February 4, 2009 – State Senator Tommy Tomlinson (R-Bucks) today responded to Governor Ed Rendell's budget proposal.

"It is a difficult year for families, working people, and the state budget.  Revenues are down throughout the entire state and projections are even worse.  The Governor tried to balance this budget, but it needs a lot more work and we are all going to have to roll up our sleeves and get to work on the budget," said Tomlinson.

Senate Republicans plan to carefully study the $28.9 billion general fund budget for Fiscal Year 2009-10. "We are going to explore the cuts that the Governor proposed as well as additional revenue sources.  There are challenges ahead, no question, but we must work together to develop a final budget that enables Pennsylvanians to weather the current economic crisis."

The Senate's review of the budget will formally begin on February 23 with two weeks of hearings conducted by the Senate Appropriations Committee. The state's current fiscal year ends on June 30. "I was here in 1991, when we had the first real budget problems and we have a difficult year ahead of us. As always we plan to make sure we represent the best interest of the people of the Commonwealth."

Contact:

Fran Cleaver
(717) 787-5072