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Pocono News Section
State Budget Impasse Reaches 80 Days: Rally Held in Scranton
State Budget Impasse Reaches 80 Days: Rally Held in Scranton - Friday, September 18, 2009 at 4:14PM EST
Reported by: Eric Deabill
Friday, Sep 18, 2009 @ 04:14pm EDT
SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY - There's a sense of optimism in Harrisburg as lawmakers try to hammer out a new budget agreement. Governor Rendell and negotiators were back at the table Friday afternoon. The discussion comes as people in Lackawanna County continue to push for a settlement.
Dozens of people rallied for a state budget agreement in downtown Scranton. They say they want a fair budget that doesn't cut vital programs for kids and the elderly. The rally marks 80 days without an agreement.
Two young girls, ages three and four, took part in Friday's rally. Both of the girls are concerned about the future of their Pre-K center in Carbondale.
"This is their way of getting away. This is their place to be. This is their safe place and their learning place. If this budget doesn't get passed and we have to end this program, there's a good chance that they're not going to have a school to go to," Melissa Biedenkapp from the ABC Academy said.
Workers from that facility joined dozens of other people in urging lawmakers to get something done.
"I feel that early childhood care has come so far in the so many years that we've been in this business and to have it go back to the late century is not something that we want to do. We want to move forward," Danielle Zultewicz with the Tiny Treasures Childcare in Mayfield said.
People in the crowd say the situation is getting worse, not just by the day, but by the hour.
"It's just unacceptable that this continue any longer. Even one day is wrong. They need to get this budget passed," Matt Balas said.
As the impasse wears on, the need for services is also increasing. Vince Kabacinski runs VISION in Luzerne County. That's an organization that helps the homeless. He plans to open two new shelters on Monday.
"We could very well hit 60 people this week and that is more than double what we've had in the past," Kabacinski said.
While many at the rally hope for the best, others are already focused on the future.
"Create an amendment that will not let a budget impasse take place again. Use last year's budget temporarily until a new budget is in place," rally organizer Kevin Haggerty said.
Governor Rendell said his meetings with lawmakers this week have made significant progress. He expects more meetings to be held over the weekend. | | |
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