Pennsylvania’s budgeting process is an enigma to those of us outside of government. Each year, with the June 30 deadline looming, Harrisburg politicians are in a frenzy as to whether they can enact a budget or be forced to furlough state employees. The panic routine has become quite annoying to the citizenry on several levels. First, what are these well-paid officials doing all year that prevents them from meeting their primary duty? Second, what degree of confidence can anyone have in a budget that is slapped together just so a vote can be taken? Third, furloughing nonessential employees should not be such an emotional determinant in constructing a spending plan. Every representative and senator has taxpaying constituents being laid off or terminated every day, through no fault of their own. State employment should not be a guarantee of an exemption from economic vicissitudes. Gov. Ed Rendell been an enthusiastic tax collector and an equally adept spender during his tenure.