It just dawned on me that I have been posting a lot of action posts lately. This is quite unusual for TDP, but I think it is a sign of the times.
As of this yesterday morning there has been no movement on PA’s budget impasse. Not even a little nudge! Philly.com has been mum today regarding the crisis, save for a chilling reminder of impending layoffs if no agreement is reached. Both Governor Rendell and the Republican-controlled State Legislature have dug in their heels and have prepared themselves for a political stare down – thumb wrestling match, if you will. Their interactions look more like a massive tantrum than anything resembling a political process. But then again, much of the rest of the country has succumbed to a complete breakdown in civility, so why should Pennsylvanians act any different?
Nevertheless, a colleague recently gave a rather chilling snapshop of the impact of this budget crisis:
Agencies are looking at mid-October before funds are received again, best case scenario. Even college student aid has been suspended. No money for veterans, rape victims, domestic violence, even though Gov. Rendell said he was going to give interim funding for “critical” services. A short list of casualties (this is by no means a complete list): $8.7 billion for public education, $1 billion for county child welfare, $504 million for the State System of Higher Education, $37 million for public libraries, $14.8 million for autism intervention and services, $39.3 million for hospitals, $386 million in Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency grants to students, $288 million in money for the Legislature, $236 million for community colleges, $43.2 million for Pre-K Counts, $19.7 million for Head Start Supplemental assistance, and $7.1 million for rape crisis programs.
While everyone in Harrisburg is engaged in a massive pissing contest, all kinds of critical services are being shut down in Philadelphia (and much of the rest of the state). First on the chopping block? Libraries, recreation centers, and Fairmount park! Ehh, who needs any of that right? Nevermind that it is going to get rather stinky as curbside trash pickup has been reduced from weekly to bi-weekly.
I am surprised that the City’s website is still operational. It is rather humorous, in a depressing sort of way, that the Mayor’s “urgent message” to Philadelphia residents (posted below for convenience), is tagged as “Plan C Information”. I am afraid to ask what happened to Plans A and B, let alone how many other contingency plans there are, if any!
URGENT MESSAGE TO ALL PHILADELPHIANSWe deeply regret to inform you that due to the lack of State budget authority, the City of Philadelphia may no longer have the funds to provide a full range of critical services, severely impacting our residents, businesses and visitors.Beginning October 2, without State approval to resolve our funding crisis, the City will be forced to cease operations at all Libraries, Recreation Centers and Fairmount Park. Curbside trash collection will be reduced from every week to every other week. [emphasis added by TDP]
Please continue to check this site for updates as we monitor this very difficult situation. If you have additional questions about changes to any city service, please contact Philly311 by dialing “3-1-1″ from your phone between the hours of 8 am and 8 pm or email us at philly311@phila.gov
For an updated listing of possible changes to City services, click here.
I wonder if Mayor Nutter is going to give himself a pink slip too?!? It will be devastating to tens of thousands of Philadelphia residents if these measures go into effect. Libraries are about more than books. To many neighborhoods, libraries and recreation centers are they only community spaces within their reach. They provide a space for after school programs, ESL classes, computer access for the unemployed seeking work, tutoring services, and various educational workshops, just to name a few.
ACT NOW!
Please take action now by contacting your State Senator and urging him or her to fight for a swift end to PA’s budget crisis in a way that preserves these vital services and programs. Find your State Senator and his or her contact information here.