Signs Legislation Funding State-Related Universities and Other Non-Preferreds

HARRISBURG, Pa., Dec. 17 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Edward G. Rendell today issued the following letter to legislative leaders calling for passage by Jan. 8 of legislation that will provide the commonwealth with needed revenue to balance the state's budget:

Gentlemen:

There is reason to be encouraged by the progress that has been made on the gaming reform and table game implementation legislation. This week's action in the House and Senate in advancing the legislation is a sign of continued progress toward the enactment of a meaningful and responsible bill. As you well know, that is needed to complete the budget each of you agreed to in October of this year.

It is my understanding that we have all agreed that the Legislature will return on January 5, 2010 to hammer out an agreement. Unfortunately time is running short, and unless I receive legislation on my desk that I can sign by January 8, 2010, I will be forced to place an additional $250 million into budgetary reserve.

Although I will attempt to make as much of those cuts from discretionary lines as possible, there is no way that I can reach that figure solely by doing so. The majority of cuts will have to come from general government operations and that will necessitate a minimum of an additional 1,000 furloughs. I know that none of us want that and the people of Pennsylvania would suffer for it, so it is imperative that this be resolved by January 8th.

In the interim, I will operate on the faith that you understand the gravity of your actions, or the lack thereof.

Sincerely,

Edward G. Rendell, Governor

The Governor today signed bills releasing funds for state-related universities and other non-preferred appropriations recipients. A list of non-preferred appropriations signed today is available at http://www.governor.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/gateway/PTARGS_0_2_24726_3080_376587_43/http%3B/pubcontent.state.pa.us/publishedcontent/publish/cop_general_government_operations/governor_site/news_and_media/news_main/non_preferreds_09_12_15_2009_10_budgetary_reserve.pdf

Media Contact: Gary Tuma; 717-783-1116

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor

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