Only a cynic would point out that Gov. Ed Rendell’s call for the Legislature to quit playing around with the budget deal and get something on his desk to sign on Sunday coincides with the fact that the Eagles have a bye this weekend.
OK, call me a cynic.
The governor can spend the day in Harrisburg and not have to worry about missing a single play, or his spot as a talking head on the post-game show.
In the meantime, there are signs that the budget accord may be in trouble. And some of the sniping is coming from Rendell’s own party.
House Democrats huddled in caucus at the Capitol yesterday, and were scolded by one of their own.
Which is why I have a new hero today. No, not Rendell. Although I do envy him and his role on the Eagles post-game show. Hell, I spend enough time on this blog writing about the Iggles. But then, no one is asking me to offer my opinions on TV.
No, the guy I am gaining admiration for is state Rep. Camille “Bud”
George. He’s 81 and he’s been in Harrisburg since the ‘70s. That means, especially when it comes to the budget, George has seen just about anything.
Except the debacle that has been playing out since Rendell and the Legislature blew through the June 30 deadline and then began playing this game of cat and mouse that is now going on three months.
George has seen enough.
Yesterday, he let members of his own party have it, urging them to “quit hiding,” stop “shirking their responsibilities,” and pass the budget deal that was reached last week.
But George is not just blowing off steam. He’s actually demanding action and accountability from those in his own party. In Harrisburg? Good luck.
George isn’t the only one who’s seen enough.
Rep. Mike Hanna, D-Clinton, is proposing two pieces of legislation looking to end these kind of budget shenanigans. He wants all 253 legislators and governor to stand for re-election in the next general election any time they fail to deliver a fiscal plan on time.
It’ll never happen, but it’s a good thought. The problem is the people who would have to vote to put it in place are the same people responsible for the problem.
He’s also got a bill that would force the chairmen of House and Senate committees to submit a report of budget recommendations to their respective appropriations chairmen.
Don’t hold your breath waiting for that one to happen either.
As far as something landing on Rendell’s desk and ending this farce?
As they say down at Delaware Park as they mull over those NFL parlay tickets, I wouldn’t bet on it.
OK, call me a cynic.
The governor can spend the day in Harrisburg and not have to worry about missing a single play, or his spot as a talking head on the post-game show.
In the meantime, there are signs that the budget accord may be in trouble. And some of the sniping is coming from Rendell’s own party.
House Democrats huddled in caucus at the Capitol yesterday, and were scolded by one of their own.
Which is why I have a new hero today. No, not Rendell. Although I do envy him and his role on the Eagles post-game show. Hell, I spend enough time on this blog writing about the Iggles. But then, no one is asking me to offer my opinions on TV.
No, the guy I am gaining admiration for is state Rep. Camille “Bud”
George. He’s 81 and he’s been in Harrisburg since the ‘70s. That means, especially when it comes to the budget, George has seen just about anything.
Except the debacle that has been playing out since Rendell and the Legislature blew through the June 30 deadline and then began playing this game of cat and mouse that is now going on three months.
George has seen enough.
Yesterday, he let members of his own party have it, urging them to “quit hiding,” stop “shirking their responsibilities,” and pass the budget deal that was reached last week.
But George is not just blowing off steam. He’s actually demanding action and accountability from those in his own party. In Harrisburg? Good luck.
George isn’t the only one who’s seen enough.
Rep. Mike Hanna, D-Clinton, is proposing two pieces of legislation looking to end these kind of budget shenanigans. He wants all 253 legislators and governor to stand for re-election in the next general election any time they fail to deliver a fiscal plan on time.
It’ll never happen, but it’s a good thought. The problem is the people who would have to vote to put it in place are the same people responsible for the problem.
He’s also got a bill that would force the chairmen of House and Senate committees to submit a report of budget recommendations to their respective appropriations chairmen.
Don’t hold your breath waiting for that one to happen either.
As far as something landing on Rendell’s desk and ending this farce?
As they say down at Delaware Park as they mull over those NFL parlay tickets, I wouldn’t bet on it.
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