LETTERS: Pa. budget stalemate is a matter of dollars and sense

ISSUE | PA. BUDGET STALEMATE

It's a matter of dollars and sense

Gov. Wolf cannot reach a deal with the legislature on the 2015-16 state budget. So his solution is to goad the other side and double down in his 2016-17 budget ("New Pa. budget, familiar reaction," Wednesday). Clearly he has no intention of compromising with anyone.

There has been an effort to paint state Republicans as the ones unwilling to compromise, and they might not be willing to compromise. But it should be clear to everyone now that the governor isn't either.

The bottom line is that the state spends too much money and should learn what every family already knows - you live within your means. Both sides should get serious and realize that there is no more money for the government. Figure out the best way to spend what you have and stop holding everyone hostage.

|John Musial, Wycombe, john.musial18@gmail.com

Make both sides feel the pain

One day before an Inquirer editorial called on state legislators to forgo wages until they pass a budget ("No budget, no pay," Tuesday), State Sen. Andrew Dinniman (D., Chester) introduced a bill to hold them and others accountable.

The bill would require the lawmakers to stay in session, "meeting every day without pay, without reimbursements, and without per diems, if a complete budget is not passed and signed by July 1," as required by the state constitution, according to a statement on Dinniman's website. "The same goes for the governor, his senior staff, and cabinet members." All salaries and benefits would be forfeited.

Also, when a budget is not passed by the deadline, the governor and legislators would be required to conduct public meetings.

Sounds like a plan.

|Roger J. Brown, East Fallowfield, rbrown36@aol.com

Hold firm: No more taxes

I'm glad state House Speaker Mike Turzai and Pennsylvania lawmakers continue to stonewall Gov. Wolf's tax increases. I support the Republican lawmakers' efforts to require prudent spending, accountability for the taxpayers' money, and something the governor has not considered: reduced spending to close the budget gap.

Wolf refuses to compromise and spare the people increased income and sales taxes. He has no idea that most Pennsylvanians live on a tight budget and do without when they cannot afford to spend. Now, with his second budget, he wants more money without accounting for the wasteful spending by the state and the cities that will receive our money.

His attempt to shame the Republican lawmakers is childish and desperate. I applaud the legislature for standing strong and forcing the governor to negotiate and reduce spending.

|John Murphy, Bensalem, jemur53@gmail.com