This year, Gov. Rendell again proposed a state budget with another massive spending increase of triple the rate of inflation and seven different tax increases. But hardworking Pennsylvanians can’t afford to have any more taken from their paychecks; our economy can’t withstand such a spending increase.

By an overwhelming bipartisan majority of 49-1, the Senate passed a budget with spending growth within the rate of inflation (3.2 percent), no new taxes either this year or next, and no new borrowing.

Unfortunately, the Governor and House Democrats have drawn a line in the sand by refusing to support a budget that doesn’t contain: 1) $240 million more in corporate welfare for the Pittsburgh Penguins hockey team to help pay for the cost of a new arena; and 2) electricity taxes to pay for the Governor’s so-called “energy independence.”

It is worth noting that Pennsylvania currently has a $640 million surplus.

So why is the Governor threatening to veto the state budget as leverage to hold Pennsylvania hostage for his ransom demand of higher taxes, more borrowing, and spending growth again in excess of inflation and population growth? It’s just not right.

Both the Governor and the Legislature have an obligation to the people of Pennsylvania, to state workers facing unemployment, and to those who rely upon public services.

The governor should stop playing politics with people’s live, sign a fiscally responsible budget, and then allow his other priorities to be voted on their merits.

To use the state budget as a negotiating tool in a high stakes game of political chess, impacting millions of families, is inexcusable. We can – and we should – pass a budget with no tax increases, no new taxes this year or next, no gimmicks, and no excessive spending.