July 12, 2009

The future of progressive government is on the line in Pennsylvania.

The Governor and the State Legislature are in the midst of a crucial and bitter fight over the state budget that will determine Pennsylvania's ability to create opportunities and meet the needs of its citizens.

To close a $3.3 billion deficit in the budget caused by the recession, Governor Rendell has proposed a combination of significant cuts in government programs and a temporary 16% increase in the state income tax.  The Governor is seeking a balanced solution that protects essential services with a modest increase in revenue.

Responding with their usual mix of rigid ideology and raw partisanship,  House and Senate Republicans have refused to support any tax increase at all.  Accordingly, with revenues in steep decline, their budget proposals cut deeply - too deeply - into the core functions of government.

What is really at stake here?  The ability of state government (and the counties that rely upon state funding) to provide essential services to millions of Pennsylvanians:  human services to the most vulnerable, better schools for our children, more economic opportunity and better health care for all.

Governor Rendell is right about this, and has been fighting hard for progressive government for over six years in the face of relentless hyper-partisanship and obstructionism by the Republicans in the legislature.  I hope Democratic legislators will stand with him in this budget fight.

Conservative Republicans seem to believe that government is the enemy.  They have a simple two step approach to all our problems:  cut taxes and shrink government.  They even have a snappy name for it:  "starving the beast".

Chester County Commissioners Chairman Terence Farrell recently told the Philadelphia Inquirer that his county government had a legal and moral obligation to avoid a tax increase.

I disagree.  Avoiding a tax increase is a laudable political goal.  But a county's moral obligation is to provide adequate services to the needy and vulnerable.

Progressives believe in public action for public good.  We are socially liberal, and must also be fiscally responsible.  We see government as a necessary and positive force that, when properly used, will improve the quality of life for everyone.

We must find and hold the progressive center by balancing our social activism and big hearts with responsible and sustainable fiscal policies.  That is the best path forward for Pennsylvania.

As always, please let me hear from you with comments and suggestions.  Enjoy the summer!



Sincerely,