HARRISBURG — If something good isn't coming out of the Pennsylvania Legislature it isn't for lack of Bibles.

A newspaper reported despite financial shortfalls, the General Assembly bought 220 Bibles and other holy books including Torahs and Qurans for legislators taking the oath of office last month.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reported Thursday taxpayers footed the bill, which is about $13,700.

The state House chief clerk and Senate secretary said a tradition of giving incoming legislators a personalized holy book dates back for decades.

State Rep. Dan Frankel said he has received six copies of the Torah since first being elected in 1998. The Pittsburgh Democrat points out that the cost is trivial compared with state spending of more than $28 billion.

But Frankel said when everybody is trying to conserve, perhaps lawmakers should be asked to bring their own scripture.