Grucela Hopeful State Budget Impasse Has Ended

Rich Grucela is my state representative. Here's his reaction to tonight's news that the state house has passed two critical budget bills for $27.79 billion in spending on the 99th day of the state funding stalemate.

"We approved a plan tonight that funds the most basic services and increases our investment in basic education without any broad-based tax increases," Grucela said. "We spent within our means, and we did not reverse the progress we have made in improving basic education. And, we can finally support the day cares, municipalities and other local organizations that have been struggling to stay afloat and serve Northampton County residents because of the budget delay."

State funding for basic education in Grucela's district is as follows:

Bangor School District: $9.5 million, a more than $638,000 increase.

Easton School District: $19.5 million, a more than a $1 million increase.

Nazareth School District: $8.3 million, a more than a $590,000 increase.

”I hope this is the end, that we can connect the dots in the next day or two and be finished with the entire package so people affected by this impasse can finally be paid," Grucela said. "And as an aside, I think this process over the past 99 days gives impetus to my proposal for a unicameral legislature."

Grucela has introduced legislation (H.B. 260) that would amend the state constitution to return the Pennsylvania General Assembly to a unicameral legislature by eliminating the state Senate. As a proposed amendment to the constitution, his legislation would have to be passed by the General Assembly in two consecutive legislative sessions and then approved by voters in a referendum.

"Next year's budget will prove to be no less contentious, as revenues are expected to continue to decline," Grucela added. "There is no better time to consider all ideas in streamlining government operations, and reducing governments costs, including my proposal. This would be the most logical and economical reform in reducing the cost of the legislative branch."

It is expected that this budget will pass in the state senate.