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.
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.
PA Budget Deal is Close, Given Federal Funding is Provided
Gov. Rendell and legislative leaders are getting close to striking a budget deal, but if congress does not approve federal welfare and Medicaid funding for PA, trouble may arise.
Lawmakers Challenged to Stay in Harrisburg until Budget is Passed
Gov. Rendell challenged state lawmakers to stay in Harrisburg until the budget is passed, to create a sense of urgency.
Gov. Rendell and PA House Democrats’ Consider plans to use Tobacco Fund to Balance State Budget
Gov. Rendell and the House Democrats’ are considering using $340 million of tobacco settlement funds to lessen the deficit. These settlement funds are normally used for programs to stop or prevent smoking.
Gov. Rendell orders PA Insurance Department to Investigate Recent Rate Increases
Gov. Rendell wants an investigation into recent increases in health care premiums, stating that insurers are hiking up rates before the federal healthcare reform goes into effect.
PA Legislators Fear Potential Loss in Federal Medicaid Aid
Gov. Rendell and other members of congress are concerned about the potential loss of $850 million in federal funding for medicaid, which would increase the state’s deficit.
Lawmakers Debate Budget Issues with Few Realistic Options to Reduce Deficit
Gov. Rendell met with state lawmakers to began negotiations on the budget, but with fewer realistic options to reduce the deficit, agreeing on a budget may be difficult.
Rendell Warns of State Job Cuts if Congress fails to Approve Legislation on Medicaid
Gov. Rendell said that thousands of jobs would be eliminated of congress doesn’t pass legislation that includes approximately a billion dollars in federal Medicaid funding.
PA Legislators Attempt to Avoid Another Budget Impasse
Gov. Rendell and key legislators are attempting to find a method to pass the budget on time, despite a struggling economy and an astronomical deficit.