Swanger Asks Democrat Leaders to Adjust Priorities, Vote on Funding for Universities Immediately
State Rep. RoseMarie Swanger (R-Lebanon) is demanding that House Democrat leaders place the vote on table games legislation on hold until funding for the four state-related universities -- Penn State, Pittsburgh, Temple and Lincoln -- is approved.
“These four major schools are on the verge of sending out second semester tuition bills to students and their families, and a lack of approved funding brings into play the possibility of tuition increases that no one needs, especially in these difficult economic times,” Swanger said. “Expanded gaming and support for our state-related schools are two unrelated issues that have been tied together by Governor Ed Rendell and House Democrat leadership. The needs of our constituents and the need of our governor to add table games to his legacy must be separated by priority, and it’s obvious which one holds more significance.”
While Swanger noted the presence of the bills on Monday’s voting calendar, she noted her disappointment in their having to be carried over from this past week.
“What did and didn’t take place on the House floor last Wednesday and Thursday is an embarrassment to this great institution,” added Swanger. “House Republicans and a handful of our colleagues from across the aisle wanted to bring support for our state-related schools to a vote twice on Wednesday, and Democrat leadership shot down both attempts, the latter after four hours of futilely attempting to gather support for table games legislation.
“An even bigger waste of time occurred when they announced an 8 a.m. Thursday session before we gaveled out Wednesday night, telling only their own members that they really planned to report to the floor at 10 a.m.....and finally capping a frustrating 24 hours by not showing up at all Thursday while House Republicans stood on the floor ready to work. Taxpayers deserve more from their General Assembly than House Democrats gave them this past week.”
Rep. RoseMarie Swanger
102nd District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
(717) 277-2101
(717) 787-2686
Contact: Scott B. Little
slittle@pahousegop.com
(717) 260-6137