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