WONDERING WHAT your elected state officials do on your dime during a budget crisis?
I mean, besides collect their salaries (which House Democrats did even before state workers got paid) and file for per diems up to $158 a day.
How exactly are Philly members of the largest full-time Legislature in America using their share of the largest legislative staff in America?
Well, to keep the press and public informed, of course. Want specifics?
Just so happens I have monitored news releases from Philly lawmakers since the Legislature's Conference Committee met July 29 to try to end the budget standoff - now in its sixth week with no end in sight.
Since then, your representatives have fired off 30 often-repetitive and virtually meaningless releases filled with quotes on bills they have little to do with or calling for action they have little control over.
One member plugs a TV appearance, another calls for car dealers to open on Sundays and another touts attendance at an event for a former prime minister of Grenada.
Money well-spent and staff well-used, no?
I'd note among 33 Philly members only Democrat Dwight Evans sits on the conference committee (which itself is, so far, a joke) and is among the handful of lawmakers who'll actually settle the budget.
I guess the rest just use the time, staff and money available.
More than a month after the budget deadline, Democrat W. Curtis Thomas issued a release: "Thomas outlines suggestions for state budget impasse." His suggestions? Reorganize spending priorities or adopt new revenue: "I urge my colleagues to work on common-sense solutions and to act swiftly on voting for a responsible budget."
From what I can tell, his colleagues ignored him.
Democratic Sen. LeAnna Washington announced that she's "pleased" the House passed a bill to pay state workers: "After weeks of uncertainty, state employees will be able to breathe a little easier."
As will her constituents, knowing their money's so well-spent on such compelling messages.
Democratic Sen. Mike Stack issued "once again" his call for car dealers to be able to stay open one Sunday a month, certainly a pressing budget issue. No doubt the budget is stalled because there's confusion about this issue.
Democratic Rep. Vanessa Lowery Brown used public resources to share her attendance at a "reception and church service" for Dr. Keith Mitchell, a former prime minister of Grenada. The event was July 30. The news release was Aug. 5.
Shouldn't we know these things on a more timely basis?
