State Rep. Dallas Kephart (R-Cambria/Clearfield) has announced his support for a bill that would suspend the pay of Pennsylvania’s governor, lieutenant governor, and members of the General Assembly during periods when the state budget is not passed on time.
Kephart, one of six legislators co-sponsoring the proposal, pointed to recurring delays in the budget process as a reason for introducing this measure. “Every year, the budget of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is due on June 30th,” said Kephart. “That deadline is the day by which the general appropriations bill, and the authorization bills that contain enabling legislation that provides for the distribution of appropriation dollars, should be passed by both chambers and signed by the governor. During my time in the House, this process has been delayed each year.”
He further stated: “Every member of the General Assembly, the governor and the lieutenant governor know when the budget is due. Rather than playing political games, it is time for the governor to work together with the Legislature for the people of Pennsylvania. If the government does not pass a budget by June 30th, then the elected officials responsible should be held accountable.”
Kephart explained his rationale for supporting this legislation: “Therefore, I am supporting this legislation that would suspend the pay of the governor, lieutenant governor and members of the General Assembly throughout the duration of a budget impasse. Additionally, the budget negotiations should be done in the open, rather than a few select people making decisions for the entire Commonwealth behind closed doors, as has become the tradition.”
The proposed bill aims to encourage timely passage of state budgets by directly affecting lawmakers’ compensation if deadlines are missed.
