PA Senate Inter-Governmental Operations Committee

March 15, 2011

Council 13 Executive Director David Fillman gives testimony on behalf of Council 13 members at the State Inter-Governmental Operations Committee. 

After hearing proposed cost saving ideas provided by Fillman's testimony - such as a 4-day work week; reducing private contractors; exploring vendor contracts; and limiting the use of Commonwealth vehicles for management - Sen. Bob Mensch (committee member) pointed out that Fillman 'actually came to us today with good ideas.'  Sen. John Blake (Democratic Chairman of the committee) said, "Obviously, the cost saving examples [you've listed] are something we should consider in this budget climate." And Sen. Lloyd Smucker (Majority Chairman of the committee) noted that with Council 13 members on the front line and on the job every day, they would have the best ideas. 

Testimony was also given by representatives of the Budget and Policy Center, Civil Service Commission, various research centers and more.

The committee expressed a desire to come up with real solutions to benefit all Pennsylvanians rather than a cuts-only approach.  "We may all have a different philosophy," said Sen. Smucker, "but we have a common interest."