Bumsted: Senate GOP in the budget driver's seat

Now that the Republican majority in the state Senate has defied Gov. Ed Rendell and approved its own General Fund budget for the 2009-10 fiscal year, GOP leaders need to take the next step and open up the state's previously secret budget negotiations.

That's the unsolicited advice of Brad Bumsted, who covers state government for the Tribune-Review.

From Busted's column:

Senate Republicans are uniquely positioned to force the opening of state budget deliberations to the public.

The Senate GOP last week unveiled a $27.3 billion state spending plan that won approval 30-20 along party lines. In February, Democrat Gov. Ed Rendell proposed a $28.9 billion budget. By June 30, they must agree on a final budget, which is crucial to school districts, welfare recipients, people receiving general state services and more than 70,000 state employees.

Typically, that final deal is reached behind closed doors. But the Legislature is not alone in such practices. Government officials from townships to Congress have insisted that private negotiations are the only way to resolve sensitive budget talks.

Right. About how they spend your money.

Typically, the governor and top leaders of the four caucuses in the House and Senate cut a deal. Rank-and-file lawmakers are typically left in the dark.

It's time for it to end.

Bumsted is on to something. We've seen what Rendell's back-room dealing has brought us: A $3 billion budget deficit. It's time for Senate Republicans to show real leadership and take control of state finances away from an irresponsible governor.

Read the full column -- 'Reform'? Here's the chance -- at the newspaper's Web site.