Even Harrisburg Must Be Downsized

Philadelphia Inquirer ^ | 2-11-10 | Wally Nunn

[Tribune7]

The most important budget in decades is about to be negotiated in Harrisburg, where Gov. Rendell introduced his final spending plan this week. Not only is the state facing a structural deficit that has been masked by gimmicks such as the "stimulus." It's also about to be hit by a pension tsunami that will increase the multibillion-dollar deficit by multibillions.

(snip) The word we never hear from Harrisburg is one that those in the private sector often hear: downsizing. Our elected officials have a spending problem, and it's time for them to work up the courage to break the habit.

Of the 5.6 million people working in Pennsylvania, 753,000 are government workers (local, state, and federal). A funny thing happened during the recession: More than 10 percent of the private workforce found itself unemployed, while virtually none of the government workers did.

[Tribune7]

Wally Nunn for governor.

Wally is the former chairman of Delaware County Council.

[Tribune7]

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[Tribune7]

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[Vince Ferrer]

As to the pension issue, I've been told that the state constitution does not allow changes to established employee compensation. But one thing is certain: If there are fewer employees, the pension burden will be reduced.

If the state government workforce were reduced by 5 percent, the budget would be reduced by at least $500 million a year. And remember: The rest of us are still living with 10 percent unemployment and paying our taxes.

[Vince Ferrer]

And I know this is federal, not Pennsylvania state spending, but the John Murtha airport in Pennsylvania needs an “earmark” budget cut.

[RobbyS]

Downsizing is something that every government agency needs to do, even the public schools. The problem is they seldom start from the top where the fat is.

[Lazlo in PA]

Unfunded liabilities are going to be the downfall of this state. Here in Allentown, the Pres’s Chicago buddy mayor keeps borrowing money and adding stimulus to make the books look balanced. Taxes are high already. I know other cities playing the same game. Huge benefit contracts for govt employees and all types of assistants to the assistant jobs. Plus the state is nothing but old people anymore. I bet we beat Cali to the toilet.

[Tribune7]

Wally Nunn For Governor