Senator Pileggi Comments on Completing the 2009-10 State Budget, Authorizing Table Games 

Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-9) today issued the following statement regarding the completion of work on the 2009-10 state budget, including the authorization of table games: 

"If the Governor had asked me to appear with him at this morning’s press conference, I would have been happy to do so. I share his frustration at the lack of progress in finalizing the 2009-10 state budget. The continued delay is inexcusable and mystifying. 

"The Senate has passed two comprehensive gaming reform bills, one of which was sent to the House nearly four months ago, and a bill to authorize table games in Pennsylvania. 

"In addition, the House is now holding all of the non-preferred appropriation bills, including those needed to provide state funding for the state-related universities: Temple, Pitt, Penn State, and Lincoln. 

"As soon as the House passes the remaining budget-related legislation so that the Senate can consider it, we will convene to do so. I will continue to do everything in my power to expedite resolution of the state budget, and I remain available to meet with the Governor and House Democratic leaders if they have any interest in doing so."

Senator Pileggi also wrote to Governor Rendell today on these topics. A copy of that letter is attached.