Sort out where the state’s budget money is going this fiscal year

July 22nd, 2008

Check out exactly where this year’s $28.3 billion dollar budget is being allocated in the Governor’s Office of the Budget site’s easy to read chart. Or, for those of you that are having trouble falling asleep at night, the full text of the final budget bill (SB 1389) is available here.

Patriot-News: PHC4 suffers from use as political football during negotiations

July 22nd, 2008

The Patriot-News reported yesterday that although Gov. Rendell correctly reauthorized the Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council (PHC4) until November, the council should never have been in this precarious position in the first place.

Sen. Fumo collapses in Senate chamber, after long day of negotiations

June 27th, 2008

Yesterday, around 5:oo PM Sen. Vincent Fumo (D-Philadellphia), a key member in the budget negotiations for many years, became dizzy and then fainted on the Senate Floor.

Leaders privately wrangle over budget, rank-and-file just try to stay busy

June 27th, 2008

The last week or so rank-and-file lawmakers have been discussing everything except the state’s budget, while legislative leaders have discussions behind closed doors . Although this may seem odd when the budget is due in four days, this has been the way it’s been done in Harrisburg for many years, reports the Morning Call.

PGH Post Gazette’s Budget Run-down

June 27th, 2008

With only four days left before the budget deadline, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette outlines what’s going on at the capitol this weekend.

If budget talks stay on track, possible deal by weekend

June 26th, 2008

If budget negotiations between legislative leaders and Governor Rendell stay on track Friday, there just may be an informal deal in place by the weekend. In that case, the House and Senate can begin voting on the budget bill on Monday.

A budget deal by Monday? It just might happen say Gov./lawmakers.

June 26th, 2008

Today the Allentown Morning Call reported that legislators and Governor Rendell are reaching a “framework” for the final budget plan, and are “cautiously optimistic” they can have the final plan by early next week.

DPW Secretary Richman responds to Inquirer’s editorial on MH-MR funding

June 25th, 2008

Secretary of the Dept. of Public Welfare Estelle Richman took issue with the Inquirer’s editorial asking the state to give a COLA to mental health and mental retardation facilities (MH-MR). Richman’s letter to the editor says the Inquirer failed to mention the half a billion dollar of state investments in expanded services for such facilities.

Rep’s Everett, Baker want budget movement on the House floor

June 25th, 2008

Even though the state spending plan is due in five days, Rep. Garth Everett (R- Muncy) told the Williamsport Sun-Gazette yesterday that there still has been no action on the budget bill on the floor.

Lawmakers: shame on Rendell for using state employees as budget leverage

June 25th, 2008

Yesterday, Sen. Jeff Piccola (R-Dauphin), joined by about 20 midstate lawmakers, held a press conference, saying it’s unnacceptable for Governor Rendell to be using state employees as “pawns” in the budget negotiations.