WOZNIAK SUPPORTS BILL SUSPENDING LEGISLATORS’ SALARIES WHEN STATE BUDGET PASSES JULY 1 DEADLINE

     HARRISBURG, December 23, 2003 – State Sen. John N. Wozniak is co-sponsoring a bill that would put legislators’ salaries on hold if future state budgets are not passed by the July 1 constitutional deadline.

“We, as lawmakers, can afford to make this small financial sacrifice,” Wozniak said.

“It’s only fair that we’re held accountable when our deadlock causes Pennsylvania’s schools and businesses to wait for months before they receive state funding –- like they did this year,” Wozniak added. “This legislation will remind our lawmakers how important it is to do our work on time.”

 The legislation (Senate Bill 993), introduced by state Sen. Allen G. Kukovich, would empower the state treasurer to place all legislators’ salaries in escrow in the event that:

·        The upcoming fiscal year budget has not been adopted by July 1; or

·        The budget has been enacted by July 1, but the governor has vetoed more than 15 percent of the appropriated funds and the veto has not been overridden by the legislature.

Wozniak joins several co-sponsors from both political parties, including: Democratic Senators Vincent Fumo, Jay Costa Jr., Gerald LaValle, Jim Ferlo, Shirley Kitchen and Connie Williams; and Republican Senators Jane Earll, Donald White and Robert Tomlinson.

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