Following is the text of Senator John H. Eichelberger, Jr.’s comments regarding the state budget. 

Madam President, the insatiable appetite of the Governor and the Democrats in the House for unlimited spending on big government programs has compromised the future prosperity of Pennsylvania.

Their reckless disregard for the taxpayers of this state has made the burden of our government too great for many. Many young families leave to raise their children with the security of a good job in the booming economies of the South or West. Many young professionals, including physicians, choose to succeed elsewhere rather than to face the daily threat of lawsuit abuse in our legal climate. And many businesses decide to break the chains of crushing taxes and unreasonable regulations by moving to business friendly sites beyond our boundaries.

This budget, with $1.4 Billion dollars of more spending than last year’s approved budget; does not do enough to address the critical economic issues facing this Commonwealth.

The dissection of existing spending plans is imperative. Major cuts, alternative programs and privatized operations are all necessary components of a healthy, progressive budget for a new Pennsylvania. COLA’s, new programs without sunset provisions and non competitive funding for many special issues has created a bloated, unresponsive budget over the decades.

I do want to commend the Republican leadership team in the Senate, most particularly Joe Scarnati, Dominic Pileggi and Gib Armstrong for their openness during this process and their accomplishments. They stood firm against the Governor’s proposal of 7 new or increased taxes, they withstood public pressure to create even more government funded programs that most assuredly would grow faster than the rate of inflation and they rallied many Pennsylvanians to encourage all of us in the legislature to stand up to the false promises made by our Governor. I applaud their efforts and look forward to working diligently with them on an even better budget next year.

We have seen much success in this year’s budget when compared to the sins of the past. I have heard from most of my colleagues that the process is better, there is integrity with our team and the final product is as good as we could have expected. I applaud their work. However, Madam President, I must abide by the principles I have set for myself and not support a budget that does not meet the spending levels and progressive approach to changing Pennsylvania that is so desperately needed at this time in our history. I ask for God’s blessing and guidance on this body as we face the challenges ahead.