Governor Rendell posts PA budgetary freeze spreadsheet
The spreadsheet lists all spending reductions by department.
Budget Problems Arise After $850 Million in Funding Denied
PA lawmakers are scrambling to find a solution to compensate for $850 million in federal funding that the state was anticipating. Rendell has warned that there will be massive lay-offs due to this loss of funding.
Still No Word on State Layoffs
Gov. Rendell has still not announced how many state and municipal jobs will be cut as a result to this year’s budget.
New Budget Includes Up to $100 million in WAMs
This year’s state budget includes up to $100 million in “walk around money” (WAMs). WAMs are grants given to lawmakers to use at their discretion for projects in their districts; WAMs have led to abuses in the past.
Gov. Rendell Signed $28 Billion State Budget
At a Harrisburg city elementary school, Gov. Rendell signed the new budget. The budget, which gives $250 million to public schools, $4 million to the Commonwealth Medical College of Northeast PA, and $5 million to train 100 new state police troopers, is still relying on federal funding that hasn’t been approved yet.
Critics Claim that PA’s Budget Failed to Address Critical Issues
While lawmakers are proud of the fact that they were able to pass the budget on time- for the first time in eight years- many critics say that the budget failed to address critical issues.
Rendell Will Sign $28 Billion Budget, only if Legislators approve Pair of Related Bills
Gov. Rendell said he will only sign the budget if two related bills, which he feels are necessary to support the state’s spending, are passed.
State Agencies and Non-Profits Brace for Budget Cuts, While Legislature’s Budget Increases
While most state agencies and non-profits that provide services to the communities are preparing for major budget cuts, the state legislature’s budget inceased by $1.3 million for the next fiscal year.
PA Meets Budget Deadline for First Time in Eight Years
On Wednesday, June 30, 2010, State lawmakers adopted a $28.05 billion dollar budget for the next fiscal year.
State Budget Negotiators Getting Closer to Deal
State budget negotiators are attempting to close on a $28 billion budget proposal, which would require no new taxes.