July 16th, 2009

Just in case you’ve lost track:

3 of the 4 caucuses have offered up their own budget plans in addition to Gov. Rendell’s proposal, with the exception being the Senate Dems.  Here is where all four plans stand:

Senate R’s: $27.3 billion, no new taxes and is now over 1.5 billion out of balance.  Passed the Senate in May.

House R’s: $27.3 billion, recently introduced — uses tax amenesty and revenue from expanded oil and gas drilling to   help close deficit. 

Governor’s: $28.6 billion, would like to raise the personal income tax rate to fill the deficit

House D’s: $29.1 billion, no new taxes but currently leaves higher education unfunded

***

The House has suspended their rules so they can start debating both the House R and House D plan today, according to The Morning Call.  Read more about the House Democrats’ plan in the Philadelphia Inquirer.

And, with everything else they can’t agree on House members are now at odds on how to fund higher education.

Meanwhile, the House Dems plan has made colleges in the Harrisburg-area a little nervous.

Finally, many Capitol insiders disagree over whether former state Senator Vince Fumo would have been able to negotiate a faster budget deal this year.