Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-9) today issued the following
statement regarding the completion of work on the 2009-10 state budget,
including the authorization of table games:
"If the Governor had asked me to appear with him at this morning's
press conference, I would have been happy to do so. I share his frustration
at the lack of progress in finalizing the 2009-10 state budget. The
continued delay is inexcusable and mystifying.
"The Senate has passed two comprehensive gaming reform bills, one of
which was sent to the House nearly four months ago, and a bill to authorize
table games in Pennsylvania.
"In addition, the House is now holding all of the non-preferred
appropriation bills, including those needed to provide state funding for the
state-related universities: Temple, Pitt, Penn State, and Lincoln.
"As soon as the House passes the remaining budget-related legislation
so that the Senate can consider it, we will convene to do so. I will
continue to do everything in my power to expedite resolution of the state
budget, and I remain available to meet with the Governor and House
Democratic leaders if they have any interest in doing so."
