(The following editorial appeared on the Delaware County Times website on February 18.)
PHILADELPHIA — Sometimes you look at what passes for legislative action in our illustrious state capital and wonder just what it is that these folks do, and what is it about the crises the state faces that they don’t get.
For months now we have been hearing of the possible implosion of the region’s mass transit system. In this area, that means the train wreck we refer to as SEPTA. As usual, they are deep in the red, staring at a $62 million deficit.
This year the transit czars decided to draw a line in the sand when it comes to their annual “poor-mouth” routine. Instead of braying for their usual quick fix, SEPTA’s honchos decided to up the ante. They said they needed a dedicated funding source to provide a permanent fix to their fiscal follies. And if they didn’t get it they were ready to take some fairly Draconian steps, including job cuts, reduction in service, and some healthy hikes to their already astronomical fares.
They in effect lobbed the ball back into Harrisburg’s court. And Harrisburg promptly did what they usually do, little or nothing. Different factions have floated different solutions. Gov. Ed Rendell, when he wasn’t offering analysis on the Eagles, looked to divert federal highway funds as the latest in the seemingly neverending series of temporary fixes. Rep. Dwight Evans, D-Phila., sought to increase a gaggle of motor vehicle fees to quench SEPTA’s thirst for funds. Powerful state Sen. Vince Fumo, D-Phila., had his own ideas. Fumo envisioned a hike in the real estate transfer tax as a means of creating a dedicated funding source for SEPTA.
When the crisis really started percolating before the Christmas holidays, legislators pointed fingers at each other and made it clear they had no intention of rushing into a plan they had not been able to thoroughly think through and digest. They assured the public they would deal with it after the holidays. The session ended with no action.
Rendell hinted he might consider calling a special session to target transit funding in January. Didn’t happen.
In the meantime, the clock continued to tick. SEPTA indicated it was ready to put fare hikes and service cuts into effect Feb. 27. A legal challenge has now delayed those moves. The fare hike, which would increase base fares from $2 to $2.50, is now set to kick in March 6. And that’s not all. Next week the SEPTA board is set to vote on another round of hikes, with the base fare rising to $3.
And what was our legislators’ response to the crisis? They went home. It’s likely not many of them used trains or buses to get there. They will not return to session until March 14, after fare hikes are scheduled to be in place. Unbelievable.
The Republicans who control the Legislature continue to await a specific proposal from Rendell. The governor, in his budget address (delayed by a day on the chance that he would be taking part in an Eagles Super Bowl Parade) stressed there was a crisis but offered no solution. Democrats see this as the GOP attempting to make Rendell look bad and put a dent in his image. They won’t be heartened by a poll out this week saying Rendell remains very popular in crucial swing areas of the state.
And so we continue to wait for the train wreck that is coming. That’s not to say there was no action in Harrisburg this week. Two Republican state senators have reintroduced a bill that would require public schools to start their day with the Pledge of Allegiance or the national anthem. A similar state law was overturned in the courts last year.
All those children who use SEPTA vehicles to get to school, and who now wonder whether they will be able to afford that ride — or even if it will be there at all — no doubt appreciate the gesture.
Just what exactly will move the Legislature to take action is beyond us. The crisis is not going away. It needs to be dealt with.
One thing’s for certain. Ending another legislative session without addressing the matter is almost incomprehensible. Then again, this is Pennsylvania. We should have known better.