No Budget, No Pay Bill Introduced In Pa. House

A Pennsylvania lawmaker wants to restrict the pay of elected officials if they can't agree on a budget by June 30 annually.

The bill, introduced by State Rep. Daniel McNeill, D-Lehigh, follows a nine-month budget impasse in Pennsylvania.

Under House Bill 1976, the pay suspension would impact senators and representatives, the governor, lieutenant governor and the governor’s cabinet officers. Staff would not be included.

McNeill said withholding pay would incentivize a prompt and efficient budget process.

"It would remind us of who really pays the bills and who we truly work for. I believe that this would lead to more meaningful negotiations and genuine compromise to get a balanced budget done on time."

Under the bill, salaries and per diems would be restored and reimbursed once a budget is passed.

"As state legislators, our primary responsibility is passing a balanced state budget in time, so we can pay bills, fund schools and other services, and meet the needs of Pennsylvanians in the new fiscal year," McNeill said. "Many believe the political games and posturing that characterized this year's protracted budget effort were the result of too much focus on the narrow desires of influential special interests rather than the needs of typical Pennsylvanians.”

The bill has been referred to the House State Government Committee.

Do you support House Bill 1976? Tell us why in the comments.