November 23, 2010
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Appropriations Position Brings Responsibility, Opportunity

During our caucus leadership elections last week, my colleagues elected me to serve as the Democratic Chairman of the state Senate Appropriations Committee for this session.

I was humbled and honored to be selected and the reality of my newfound responsibilities set in immediately.

The powerful Appropriations Committee is responsible for determining how state dollars are budgeted and spent. In our struggling economy there will be excruciatingly difficult funding decisions to be made when we start mulling over the new governor’s budget. One thing is clear: Our main priority will be finding ways to create jobs and spur economic development.

It is no secret that we are facing serious budget shortfalls, a fragile economy and huge job losses across the state.

As Democratic Chairman, I am ready to meet these tough decisions head on. When budgets are tight, at home or here in the government, it is imperative that we prioritize.

Leaders from both the Democratic and Republican parties need to come together and find the ways to best stretch the money in next year’s budget.

We need to create good paying and sustainable jobs; we need to invest in our future and make sure our children are receiving a quality education; and we need to continue to invest in the programs and services our friends and neighbors rely on.

The legislature, and more specifically the Appropriations Committee, will be faced with a number of formidable challenges before a responsible state spending plan is settled on before June 30, 2011. As the new Democratic Chairman of the Appropriations Committee I am prepared to meet these challenges.

It is imperative that the legislature works relentlessly in the coming months to bring jobs back to Pennsylvania and find creative and cutting-edge solutions to grow our state revenues and revive our economy.

I look forward to the opportunity to serve my caucus in this vital leadership role. I know that this will be a difficult job, but I also know that we were not elected to take the easy way out.

 

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