Siptroth votes for Republican bill to get state workers paid

HARRISBURG — State Rep. John Siptroth on Tuesday reluctantly voted for a bill that is expected to allow 77,000 state workers to be paid, but called on fellow lawmakers to act soon to enact a responsible budget. Siptroth said that sending Senate Bill 850 (the Republican budget proposal) without amendments to Gov. Ed Rendell was the most efficient way to give the state authority to pay workers who have not received a paycheck for work they’ve done since July 1. Rendell is expected to line-item veto most of the bill except for general government operation lines and some key services to protect health and safety. “I’ve never been in this position before, but at least state workers are removed from the middle of this budget impasse,” said Siptroth, D-Monroe/Pike. “Now it’s time to address the issue at hand - drafting a complete and final budget that protects our children, seniors, veterans and most vulnerable citizens while investing in the future.” Siptroth addressed fellow representatives on the House floor and urged them to act quickly or vital county services could be harmed. “In recent days I have heard from Sheila Theodorou, administrator of the Monroe County Mental Health/Mental Retardation program,” Siptroth said. “She has informed me that her office has stopped payment to all agencies it does business with. She also told me that her office may be forced to reduce or even stop providing services unless this budget crisis is solved.” Siptroth said he also heard from Suzanne McCool, chairwoman of the Monroe County commissioners, who told him the budget impasse is compromising the lives of the most vulnerable citizens. He said he expects to hear soon from school districts, which need state subsidies to operate, unless the state enacts a responsible budget. Siptroth said House Democrats have removed an increase in the Personal Income Tax from negotiations. “The clock is ticking,” Siptroth said. “Senate Republicans need to return to the negotiating table and bargain in good faith.”