HARRISBURG, PA — It might be a new year, but Republicans in Harrisburg are continuing the same old politics that have led to five credit downgrades in three years. According to credit rating agency Standard & Poor, the budget passed by Republicans before skipping town for the holidays “had a $500 million budget gap for fiscal 2016 and left a $2 billion budget gap for fiscal 2017.” So much for being the party of “fiscal responsibility.”
“The Republican House was one vote away from joining with the Governor and their colleagues in the Senate to pass a responsible plan for Pennsylvania’s future,” said Pennsylvania Democratic Party Chairman Marcel L. Groen. “Instead they’ve chosen to extend the failed status quo of underfunding education and credit downgrades that continue to cost tax payer dollars and stymie economic growth.”
“Republicans in Harrisburg need to stand up to Speaker Turzai’s failed leadership and pass a balanced, fully funded budget,” Chairman Groen continued. “This smoke and mirrors budget is outrageous– it’s time for Republicans in Harrisburg to get back to work and pass a budget that doesn’t shortchange Pennsylvania’s future.”
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