Rep. Jamie Flick of Lycoming and Union Counties has announced his decision to withhold his paycheck due to the failure to pass a new state budget by July 1. In a statement, Flick expressed disappointment over the inability to reach an agreement on time.
“It is disappointing to me that we were not able to come to an agreement on a state budget on time,” Flick stated. He emphasized the importance of timely budget completion, drawing from his experience running a business for over three decades.
Flick noted the uncertainty faced by constituents due to the budget delay and asserted that lawmakers should not receive their pay during such impasses. “As long as this budget impasse goes on, I will be withholding my paycheck. It is only fair that if the people we represent are left waiting, lawmakers should not be paid either.”
He also mentioned his role as a co-sponsor of legislation aimed at suspending pay for members of the General Assembly and the governor during budget stalemates. Reflecting on past actions, Flick recalled being “the sole member of the House to withhold my paycheck until December during a months-long impasse” in 2023.
Flick expressed cautious optimism when the budget was initially proposed in February, hoping for wise and effective spending decisions. However, he acknowledged that no agreement had been reached by July 1. As negotiations continue, Flick aims for a budget that promotes economic growth, harnesses Pennsylvania’s energy resources, and controls government spending.
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