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Scarnati Legislation Would Return Funds from Legislative AccountsHARRISBURG – Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson) is preparing to introduce legislation that would transfer a significant portion of surplus funds from legislative accounts to the General Fund. Senate Bill 10 would leave sufficient funds in legislative accounts to continue operations for up to four months in the event of an emergency or budget impasse. The bill would require that all funds in excess of this reserve be returned to the General Fund after each fiscal year. "It is critical for state government to tighten its belt during this recession, and we must look for every possible avenue to help taxpayers," Scarnati said. "This funding would provide a much-needed boost to the General Fund without compromising the General Assembly's ability to operate in a crisis or an impasse." It is estimated that Scarnati's legislation will return over $100 million to the General Fund this year to help balance the budget. "These funds will aid us in eliminating the Commonwealth's current budget deficit without raising taxes on hardworking Pennsylvanians or businesses," said Scarnati. Scarnati has been a leader in promoting efficiency in state government. Since 2006, the yearly appropriation to the Senate has dropped six percent, and the number of employees in the Senate Republican Caucus has been reduced approximately nine percent.
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