A state representative proposed a bill Monday that would allow the public to attend what are currently closed-door state budget meetings after June 30 each year, the annual state budget deadline.
"There are a handful of people that are holding up the state process," said state Rep. Kerry Benninghoff, R-Centre. "The more light you shed on this process, the more pressure the public can bring there to get this thing done."
Benninghoff said the proposal -- House Bill 1887 -- would open a door for the public to view state budget meetings and would televise the event for Pennsylvania residents who can't make the meetings.
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has gone nearly a month without a state budget, as the state House of Representatives and Senate have been unable to reach an agreement. In recent weeks, state employees have been protesting working for little to no pay, an unfortunate consequence of the unfinished state budget.
Gov. Ed Rendell spokesman Michael Smith said Rendell would prefer passing legislation that would make it mandatory for legislators to meet months before the state budget deadline.
"This administration has always supported transparency in government," Smith said. "We would like to see something that requires lawmakers to meet daily to discuss the state budget after the governor submits his proposal in February, rather than waiting until the last few weeks of June."
State Sen. Jake Corman, R-Centre, said the government is trying to be more transparent and this bill would mark another step in that direction.
"I think anytime you bring sunshine to the process, it's a good thing," Corman said. "Anytime the public is aware of what is going on in discussion, it is a positive outcome."
Corman said the proposed bill was probably introduced because the "state budget has taken so long this time."
Tor Michaels, chief of staff for Rep. Scott Conklin, D-Centre, said Conklin would support anything that makes the process open to the public.
"When we can make the process open and friendly to the constituents of Pennsylvania, we really take any proposal of that nature seriously," Michaels said.
Michaels said Conklin has been busy finding common ground on the state budget, but would look forward to any discussion or debate involving the proposed bill.
Benninghoff said the state budget is the most important document passed every year, so it would be logical to put it in the public eye if it isn't passed by the deadline.
"Get it done or we will put you under the spotlight," he said.
Benninghoff said the proposal would "probably prevent" budget impasses in the future.
"The same people in charge of the budget process have the power to decide which legislation runs and which legislation gets buried," Benninghoff said. "If the leadership aren't willing to bring this bill to a vote, they have something to hide or don't support an open process."
