Budget progress a relief to central Pa. lawmakers

HARRISBURG -- Although everybody in the Capitol feels the strain of budget negotiations as they near the June 30 deadline, midstate lawmakers, with thousands of state workers in their districts, feel the pressure a little more.

Especially in an election year, and especially if they're a Democrat.

With Gov. Ed Rendell (D) as the face of Pennsylvania government, state Rep. Ron Buxton (D-Dauphin County) said he must defend the administration against criticism from angry state workers.

"It's not easy being a Democrat in central Pennsylvania," Buxton told PolitickerPa.com after a rally Tuesday urging the passage of the budget. "There were already some tough lay-offs last year ... you have to defend our administration."

Buxton likely doesn't have anything to fear in November because he is running unopposed, although he narrowly escaped defeat in the primary against challenger Karl Singleton.

Another Democratic lawmaker from central Pennsylvania, state Rep. Eugene DePasquale (D-York County), said his constituents don't discriminate with who they blame for late budgets.

"We all share in the responsibility of getting a good budget," he said.

It's becoming increasingly clear, however, they might not have to worry about furloughs.

Caucus leaders have indicated after the latest series of budget negotiations, including one Wednesday, that they are close to a resolution.

House Minority Leader Sam Smith (R-Jefferson County) said Wednesday that the last few days have produced slow and steady progress that, barring any "blow-ups," could lead to a resolution in the middle of next week. The Senate and House need about three days to actually move budget bills through the legislative process, which could it past the June 30 deadline.

But Rendell has indicated he will not order the furlough of state workers if all sides are close to a deal.