The General Assembly is responsible for promoting and preserving the health and general welfare of all citizens in this Commonwealth. Passage of the state budget is essential to that moral imperative. Because the General Assembly has not fulfilled its constitutional obligation to pass the budget on time, no Member salaries should be paid until the impasse is resolved.

Pennsylvanians are now living in unprecedented times. The state budget impasse has dragged on for months and people are struggling to make ends meet. The problem is compounded by the current state of the economy and the increasing cost of living. People need help and they deserve to have a government that works.

This is not a novel idea. I served in the General Assembly under the exact framework this legislation will reestablish. At that time, my colleagues and I understood that we needed to have skin in the game. When we were under the same financial pressures as so many people and industries in Pennsylvania, we were able to put aside politics and focus on the substance of policy. This encouraged earnest negotiations and timely passage of the state budget.

The people of Pennsylvania deserve to have faith in their government. This is one major step in rebuilding that trust. I hope you will join me in cosponsoring this important legislation.