|
|||
|
Scarnati Urges Governor to Fully Implement Hiring FreezeSenate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson) is encouraging Governor Ed Rendell to fully implement a hiring freeze policy within the Administration. While the Governor has stated a hiring freeze is in place, Scarnati said he has recently shown leniency in that policy. "Due to the estimated $2.3 billion deficit faced by the Commonwealth, I encourage Governor Rendell to employ measures fully halting any additional employment opportunities within the Administration, without exception," Scarnati stated. "During these tough economic times, the Governor should not waiver or give himself latitude to hire extra employees at his leisure." According to Scarnati, Senate Republicans have had a new-job creation hiring freeze in place since October of 2007. Since 2006, the number of Senate employees has decreased by 8.2% and appropriations to the caucus have been cut by more than 6%. Scarnati also announced that in the near future he will be introducing legislation (SB10) in the State Senate which would return a large portion of funds left over in legislative accounts at the end of each fiscal year to the general fund. "In these tough economic times it is imperative that we, as elected leaders, recognize that the Commonwealth's fiscal problems cannot be solved on the backs of the taxpayers," Scarnati said. "We must first take a look in the mirror." "Clearly it is vital for all branches of government to reduce operational spending and become more efficient with taxpayer dollars," Scarnati added. "I am confident that the Governor recognizes this, and moving forward, will stand firm with a prudent and non-discretionary hiring freeze."
|
||
