Veteran lawmaker Belfanti returns to state Capitol after battling health problems this year

HARRISBURG - Although a cloud of doom and gloom continues to hover over the state budget, some good news came out of the Capitol this week with the return of longtime state Rep. Robert E. Belfanti Jr. (D-107) to the chamber floor.

The 29-year legislator from Mount Carmel, received his second standing ovation in three days Wednesday afternoon from members of the House and addressed his colleagues for approximately 10 minutes.

Belfanti discussed his health problems and said he was happy to be back on the floor despite his ongoing ailments. The lawmaker thanked his numerous supporters including his family, staff, friends and fellow legislators and is determined to

vote on the spending plan for the 2009-2010 fiscal year, which remains at a stalemate.

Legislators failed to pass the budget by the June 30 deadline for the seventh consecutive year under Democratic Gov. Ed Rendell.

The 60-year-old decorated Vietnam War veteran hadn't been in Harrisburg since February. On Feb. 25, he was rushed from his Mount Carmel home to Hershey Medical Center, where he was hospitalized for 16 days, including four days in a coma. He then spent 12 days at Shamokin Area Community Hospital's skilled nursing unit before going home.

Still recovering from acute pneumonia and enduring problems with his back and legs, he hopes to remain in Harrisburg until the state has a new budget.

He recently finished occupational therapy, but continues with physical therapy.

Belfanti, who is using a motorized scooter to get around the Capitol, has been assisted throughout the week by his longtime aide Ronald Tanney and other staff members.

He was staying at an apartment he uses while the House is in session, but returned home Wednesday for some clothing and other necessities.

The legislator addressed his colleagues in a deliberate, but coherent tone Wednesday and even added a few jokes during his brief talk. Belfanti remains weak from his various ailments, but is committed to serving his constituents.

"It's great to be here," Belfanti said. "It certainly beats the alternative of being laid out in a box."

Prior to taking the podium and earning a standing ovation from his colleagues in the House, Belfanti, who serves as majority chairman of the Labor Relations Committee, received a warm greeting from Democrat Todd Eachus of Luzerne County, the majority leader of the House, and Democrat Bill DeWeese of Greene County, the House majority whip who is Belfanti's longtime friend and a fellow Marine.

During an interview in his office following the House session, Belfanti said he was "totally surprised" by Wednesday's special recognition, which came on the heels of Monday's standing ovation he received on his first day back to work in Harrisburg.

"I've been talking with committee members about the budget during my absence from the House," he said. "If the Senate digs its heels in and doesn't negotiate with our party (Democrat), we could be here until after Labor Day. Our leadership wants to see the budget passed in the next couple weeks."

Many of his colleagues were impressed by Belfanti's appearance this week on the House floor.

"It's very rewarding to see Bob back at work," commented third-year state Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski (D-121) of Luzerne County. "He's an inspiration to all of us."

The legislator added, "Bob's a straight shooter. He's a guy with a lot of courage and grit. He tells it like it is and fights hard for his constituents. He has a great sense of humor and I'm proud to serve with him."

Kevin Murphy (D-113), a freshman state representative from Lackawanna County, said Belfanti illustrated the seriousness of the economic climate in the state by showing his dedication to the House despite being on the mend.

"He has a commitment to public service and it's nice to have him back," Murphy said. "He has provided me with valuable experience in dealing with labor issues and has been a mentor with the entire legislative process. His goal, like mine, is to make sure people are treated fairly in the work place."

Murphy, who serves on the state Labor Relations Committee, was president of Scranton City Council from 2000 to 2004.

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