Shaffer Starts Reform for Pennsylvania Overhaul with ‘No Budget, No Pay Raise’ Legislation

HARRISBURG - Rep. Jeremy Shaffer (R-Allegheny), an advocate for government reform, has started to act on his government accountability agenda by introducing legislation that would suspend automatic pay raises, for the Legislature, the governor and lieutenant governor during any year in which a state budget is not passed by July 1. "We need accountability in Harrisburg," Shaffer said. "Our most important job as legislators and public officials is getting a state budget done in a timely manner. If lawmakers can't pass a budget on time, they shouldn't receive automatic pay raises. Failing to do their jobs on time has real consequences for the people of Pennsylvania." Shafer's bill, House Bill 1906, would provide short- and long-term incentives to all parties involved in budget negotiations. "Seven of the past 10 years, the Legislature has failed to pass a budget on time," Shaffer said. "This year, again, we are involved in a lengthy delay. Hard-working Pennsylvanians wouldn't get a raise if they failed to do their jobs, so why should we?" Shaffer, who has refused a paycheck during the current budget impasse, has demonstrated commitment to accountability. Beyond holding elected state officials accountable for timely budgets, Shaffer is also advancing his "Reform for Pennsylvania" plan. Shaffer says the plan will include legislation aimed at modernizing state government by enacting term limits, reducing the size of the House, making the Legislature part time, instituting a bi-annual budget and eliminating perks for legislators. "Pennsylvanians deserve a government that works effectively and responsibly," Shaffer added. "My Reform for Pennsylvania plan will do that, and I look forward to introducing more legislation in the near future." House Bill 1906 has been referred to the House Appropriations Committee for consideration. Representative Jeremy Shaffer 28th District Pennsylvania House of Representatives Media Contact: Andrew Forgotch 717.772.9905 [email protected] RepShafferPA.com / Facebook.com/RepShaffer

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