Columnist: Legislature Cut Impt. Programs But Not Their Own Spending

[JPZenger]

http://www.mcall.com/news/local/white/mc-bill-white-meat-loaf-budget-20100707,0,5058897.column

"Pennsylvania budget: Legislators made no real sacrifice

by Bill White, columnist Allentown Morning Call

"While the Legislature continues to sit on its own disgraceful $180 million surplus, the largest of the slush funds at its disposal, it slashed programs that benefit millions of Pennsylvania residents, including public libraries, state parks, early childhood education and the arts.

If our legislators just would return their operating surplus each year the way executive agencies have to do — it's expected to grow to $200 million this year — or even turn over a modest percentage of it, many of these important programs could have been funded at previous levels.

Of course, legislators will tell you they cut funding for their own operations, too. Yeah, $1.05 million from a budget of $185 million (House) and $93,000 from a budget of $9.175 million (Legislative Service Agencies). The Senate, home of the tough-talking budget cutters who actually wanted to cut state library funding in half last year, sacrificed to the tune of $119,000 from a budget of $92 million. Put them all together and it's not even half what they hacked from adult literacy programs."

The legislative cuts I mentioned are more than doubled by the increase in lawmakers' Legislative Miscellaneous budget, most of which will go to fund a new round of ruthless gerrymandering under a corrupt reapportionment system they've refused to reform. I don't mind spending money on redistricting, but if legislators weren't so intent on incumbent protection, it would be going toward a nonpolitical system of adjusting every 10 years for legitimate population shifts.

Party leaders and their minions rejected that, over and over, by burying those reform bills in committees, the equivalent of dumping them down mine holes. Overall, the budget to operate the General Assembly increased by $1.3 million. Shared sacrifice? Are you kidding me?"

[PA Democrat]

1. My son just got a notice that his PHEAA grant has been cut.

We haven't heard yet how much tuition is going up, but we are bracing for a hefty increase because there is no increase in state funding for his school. Last year they got stimulus money in additiotn to state funding, so it looks like they are actually getting LESS government funding this year.

Glad the legislature isn't forced to sacrifice like everyone else. :sarcasm:

[JPZenger]

2. Penn State and U. Pitt funding was level

State funding for Penn State and U. Pittsburgh is level, which means a slight reduction after inflation.

PHEAA has made profits from student loans, which were used for grants to students. I don't believe PA. provides much funding directly to PHEAA. Now that the Feds are taking loans over directly, it may mean PHEAA has less money for grants.

[PA Democrat]

3. According to the email from PHEAA, it is the result of the state budget.

We had received a notice that he was getting a grant for X dollars in early June. Now that amount has been reduced and today I read that Pitt has increased tuition by more than $700.

It really sucks to find out one month before tuition is due that you need an extra $1000 for the upcoming school year.

According to today's Post Gazette, the state's allocation to Pitt has increased by only a HALF PERCENT over the past 11 years. Tuition has gone up by 120% over the last decade.

It's beyond sad that college is getting more and more out of reach for many Americans.