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Monday, July 27, 2009

State Senator Suggests That City Council Get Rid of DROP Program To Help Budget

State Sen. Larry Farnese put out this press release at about 6:30 p.m. tonight. PhillyClout asked him earlier in the day if he raised any of these issues during the session between the mayor, City Council and the state lawmakers. He said he did not. But hours later, he released the following:

Sen. Larry Farnese Asks City to Examine Spending As It Seeks Approval from State to Raise Taxes

Says City Council Should Eliminate Controversial DROP Program

Senator Larry Farnese urges Philadelphia City Council to examine its own spending – including the controversial DROP program – as city officials continue to lobby Harrisburg for approval to raise the Philadelphia sales tax to 8% and modify the city's pension funding obligations.

The senator joined other members of the state Senate and House at a meeting Monday morning in Philadelphia with Mayor Michael Nutter and City Council leadership to discuss the impact of the state budget on the city of Philadelphia.

The city is pressing state lawmakers, who are in the midst of budget negotiations, to approve a 1% sales tax increase in the city, as well as changes in pension funding. The city cited a more than $1 billion budget gap, which it claimed could prevent Philadelphia from providing even basic city services.

Sen. Farnese acknowledges the dire straits the city is in, but says that the state is in the same boat, with lawmakers in Harrisburg struggling to close a $3 billion deficit in the state budget.

“No one wants more than I do to help Philadelphia succeed as a world-class city – but right now, we all must tighten our belts and make sacrifices,” said Farnese.

Farnese noted that approval of the city's request will require backing of legislators from other parts of the state.

“City Council needs to take a hard look at whether continuing DROP for elected officials sends the right message in Harrisburg,” said Farnese. “In these tough economic times, eliminating DROP would demonstrate a commitment to government reform, and would go a long way toward fostering the public’s trust.”

Sen. Farnese explained, even more sacrifice is needed, adding that across-the-board cuts in legislative spending are also on the table in state budget negotiations.

“We Senate Democrats know we’ll have to make painful cuts in this budget – and not by choice. I fully anticipate City Council will join us in our efforts by making some painful decisions of its own, as we try to pass a state budget we can all live with,” said Sen. Farnese.

Posted by Catherine Lucey @ 9:16 PM Permalink | 5 comments

Comments

0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 10:46 PM, 07/27/2009

Not to mention that they have a 10% spending INCREASE in thier budget this year while everyone else is cutting and laying off.

— jn3

0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 4:03 AM, 07/28/2009

1% sales tax, is going to drive everyone elsewhere to shop. If you go to Vineland New Jersey, the 4% impoverished town tax, will save you money, and pay for gas and tolls. One T.V. for 800.00 + 32.00 = 832.00. Savings in taxes of 32.00. So gas up for the savings, and have a nice lunch while your shopping in Vineland.

— FJG JR

0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 6:35 AM, 07/28/2009

That 1% tax will ruin a lot of businesses in the city. Also, the hypocrisy displayed by the mayor and most of council needs to be addressed next election. A message needs to be sent to all of the local politicians.

— psyrus

0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 6:39 AM, 07/28/2009

Thank you Senator for your courage and leadership. Council should get rid of a bunch of their perks, like cars, parking, and DROP. They make over $110,000 annually!!!

— Philly Phorever

0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 8:00 AM, 07/28/2009

Farnese's supposed leadership is out shadowed by the merciless greed of he and his pals in the legislature. Yes DROP for elected officials should be eliminated. BUT... PA has the largest AND most expensive legislature in the country with total compensation exceeding the 2nd place state (NY) by almost 20%(www.issuespa.net). And Farnese says they are struggling with cuts? Oh come off it. It was just 4 years ago when they all took a 16% pay raise (with a commensurate increase in pensions and perks). The mayor, our councilmaniacs and our legislators want us to take a cut in services and a cut in pay (tax increase = pay cut) but they are unwilling to do any of the work. What legislative perks are on the chopping block? I've not seen any plans. What is the mayor's plan for getting money from deadbeats? I've not seen any plans. Where is council's plan for reducing their budget instead of increasing it? I ashamed at the abysmal lack of character and ethics and morals in the officials we have voted for. We need to cast them ALL out and start over again.

— nebulus

5 comments

About The Philly Clout Team

Chris Brennan, a native Philadelphian and graduate of Temple University, joined the Daily News in 1999. He has written about SEPTA, the Philadelphia School District, the legalization of casino gambling, state government, the mayor, the governor, City Council and political campaigns.

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David Gambacorta spent a small eternity writing about cops, drug dealers and serial killers. Now he’s writing about power and politics – which sometimes reminds him of the old crime beat. He joined the Daily News in 2005. And yes, he knows you’re not quite sure how to pronounce his last name. E-mail tips to gambacd@phillynews.com

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Catherine Lucey joined the Daily News in 2002 and has written about murderous drug gangs, political protesters and Harry Potter. After covering the 2007 mayoral election, she moved over to the City Hall bureau where she has been reporting on the Nutter administration.

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Jan Ransom, a native New Yorker, joined the Daily News in 2010 after graduating from Howard University. She has since written about the difficulty of filing police complaints, tax deadbeats and life after violent home invasions. She joined the Daily News City Hall Bureau in 2011 and has plunged headfirst into reporting on administration budget battles and City Council shenanigans.

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