It's Time for the PA GOP House to Compromise

The PA House GOP isn't taking yes for an answer. They're getting a budget deal with some changes to existing liquor laws, some changes to the state pension system, no Marcellus Shale tax, and the education funding that Governor Wolf demanded. In other words, they are giving him one thing, to get partial victories on two things, and a full victory on another. Sadly the property tax relief is out, and sales tax changes are in, but that's the way compromise works. In all reality, legislative Republicans are getting the better deal.

The House GOP is saying no though. They want more yet. They want less education spending and more cuts, or they won't pass a budget. This is all about Speaker Turzai wanting total victory on liquor and pensions of course, and trying to hold out in the 11th hour of negotiations to force his way. It's not a politically tenable position, but then again, neither is a budget standoff for six months. With the gerrymandered seats as they are, most of the GOP thinks they can get away with this. The sad thing is, many of them might.

Of course, there should be a price at the ballot box for this behavior. It's certainly not in the state's best interest for Turzai to get his way. While the current deal is awful, it beats what Turzai is peddling. It's time for the PA House GOP to come to Jesus, and accept the compromise deal.