October 5, 2009Governor Edward G. RendellRoom 225 Main Capitol BuildingHarrisburg, PA 17120Dear Governor Rendell:It is our understanding that you agreed today to a $27.834 billion Senate spending proposal.This is not acceptable.Throughout this process, we maintained a position that discretionary spending should not beincluded in

the commonwealth’s budget

in this economy. While we recognize the value of these appropriations, we do not believe that this type of spending should take priority in adifficult year. Instead, we have pledged to use available funds for broad-based, criticalprograms.The latest Senate proposal continues to include nearly $12 million in discretionary spending,money that could be used to further assist vulnerable Pennsylvania citizens, support ourhospitals and help our children. We cannot support a plan that would divert money from broad-based programs for discretionary spending on targeted projects concealed within the line itemslisted below:Executive Offices - Safe Neighborhoods ($400,000)Executive Offices - Violence Reduction ($250,000)The discretionary grant component for other cultural support under the newly createdCultural Preservation Assistance appropriation ($1.703 million) within Executive Offices.Department of Community and Economic Development - Minority BusinessDevelopment ($1 million)Department of Education - (Public) Higher Education Assistance ($400,000)Department of Public Welfare

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Facilities and Service Enhancements ($500,000)Department of Public Welfare

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Acute Care Hospitals ($4.7 million)Department of Public Welfare

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Health Care Clinics ($3 million)