by Scott Detrow
Public Radio Capitol News
(Harrisburg) -- 73 days after Pennsylvania’s legal budget deadline, legislative leaders have announced the framework of a 27.9 billion dollar compromise.
The tentative agreement would increase the cigarette tax by 25 cents, legalize table games at casinos and roll back the Capitol Stock and Franchise Tax to last year’s 2.89 mill level, but would not increase sales or personal income taxes.
House Speaker Keith McCall, a Carbon County Democrat, says it took far too long to reach a deal.
"I do apologize that is has taken us so long to come together and reach this compromise," he said. "That is the one issue that I have—is that failure to enact this budget was extremely regrettable, that we couldn’t get it done in a better timeframe. The people of Pennsylvania deserve better."
The agreement satisfies a core Democratic demand by increasing the basic education subsidy by 300 million dollars.
Governor Rendell has yet to comment on the framework, but leaders say they have the votes to pass it through both chambers.
The joint budget conference committee will begin working out the details on Monday.
A final vote is expected in the next two weeks.
11 September 2009
Lawmakers may have Budget Deal in Place
by Scott Detrow
Public Radio Capitol News
(Harrisburg) -- Rumors of a possible budget deal are swirling around the state Capitol.
Several media outlets are reporting legislative leaders have agreed to a 27.9 billion dollar budget framework.
Representative Eugene DePasquale, a York County Democrat, tweeted about the progress, saying the agreement doesn’t include any broad-based taxes, and satisfies his party’s demands for education spending.
Majority Leader Todd Eachus was coy about the possible deal during a late-night Rules Committee meeting.
"Well you’ll know more about the numbers tomorrow," he said. "Once again, I appreciate you trying."
Still, Governor Rendell shot down the idea as he left his office, telling the Associated Press he hasn’t agreed to any budget deal.
Meantime, the House Rules Committee amended House Bill 1828, giving Pittsburgh a 2-year exemption from pension takeovers, and eliminating mandated benefits freezes
for Philadelphia employees.
A Senate Republican spokesman says GOP members “have concerns” about some of the changes, and will have to review the measure if it passes the House today.
That means yet another delay before Philadelphia can impose its sales tax increase.
Public Radio Capitol News
(Harrisburg) -- Rumors of a possible budget deal are swirling around the state Capitol.
Several media outlets are reporting legislative leaders have agreed to a 27.9 billion dollar budget framework.
Representative Eugene DePasquale, a York County Democrat, tweeted about the progress, saying the agreement doesn’t include any broad-based taxes, and satisfies his party’s demands for education spending.
Majority Leader Todd Eachus was coy about the possible deal during a late-night Rules Committee meeting.
"Well you’ll know more about the numbers tomorrow," he said. "Once again, I appreciate you trying."
Still, Governor Rendell shot down the idea as he left his office, telling the Associated Press he hasn’t agreed to any budget deal.
Meantime, the House Rules Committee amended House Bill 1828, giving Pittsburgh a 2-year exemption from pension takeovers, and eliminating mandated benefits freezes
for Philadelphia employees.
A Senate Republican spokesman says GOP members “have concerns” about some of the changes, and will have to review the measure if it passes the House today.
That means yet another delay before Philadelphia can impose its sales tax increase.
28 Million Dollars for Maglev
by Scott Detrow
Public Radio Capitol News
(Washington) -- Pennsylvania’s Department of Transportation has won a 28 million dollar federal grant for construction of a high-speed rail line in western Pennsylvania.
Senator Arlen Specter says that announcement more than doubles the amount of federal funding that’s been steered toward the proposed Pittsburgh International Airport to Greensburg Maglev line.
"From fiscal year 99 to 2005, we have 22.52 million. 95-0-thousand in ’09, and 28 million million on top. So that comes to 51 million dollars—over 51 million dollars."
Specter says the money will be used to update the project’s financial plan, conduct an independent cost analysis and issue a construction bid for a bridge, among other efforts.
Maglev officials are hoping to win more federal funding for the effort later this year, when they submit a bid for federal stimulus dollars.
Specter says he’s hoping the Maglev line eventually stretches across the entire commonwealth, so passengers can travel from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia at speeds of over 200 miles an hour.
Public Radio Capitol News
(Washington) -- Pennsylvania’s Department of Transportation has won a 28 million dollar federal grant for construction of a high-speed rail line in western Pennsylvania.
Senator Arlen Specter says that announcement more than doubles the amount of federal funding that’s been steered toward the proposed Pittsburgh International Airport to Greensburg Maglev line.
"From fiscal year 99 to 2005, we have 22.52 million. 95-0-thousand in ’09, and 28 million million on top. So that comes to 51 million dollars—over 51 million dollars."
Specter says the money will be used to update the project’s financial plan, conduct an independent cost analysis and issue a construction bid for a bridge, among other efforts.
Maglev officials are hoping to win more federal funding for the effort later this year, when they submit a bid for federal stimulus dollars.
Specter says he’s hoping the Maglev line eventually stretches across the entire commonwealth, so passengers can travel from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia at speeds of over 200 miles an hour.
Orie gives 1.1 million to Flight 93 Memorial
by Scott Detrow
Public Radio Capitol News
(Harrisburg) -- On the eve of the 8th 9/11 anniversary, a campaign put together by state Senator Jane Orie presented the National Park Foundation with a 1.1 million dollar donation toward a permanent Flight 93 Memorial in Somerset County.
Orie, an Allegheny County Republican, says when she first thought up the “Hearts of Steel” fundraising effort, she hoped to raise just 10-thousand dollars.
Accepting the contribution, Flight 93 National Memorial Superintendent Joanne Hanley said America’s National Parks owe their existence to generous contributions.
"All were formed, and all were supported, by the caring generosity of people like you, people like us. And it is only because of that generosity and that caring and support that they continue today."
The “Hearts of Steel” campaign raised money by selling ten-dollar stainless steel bracelets remembering the passengers of United 93, who stormed the cockpit to try and stop hijackers from attacking the White House or Capitol.
National Park officials hope to dedicate the permanent Flight 93 memorial two years from now, on the tenth anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
Public Radio Capitol News
(Harrisburg) -- On the eve of the 8th 9/11 anniversary, a campaign put together by state Senator Jane Orie presented the National Park Foundation with a 1.1 million dollar donation toward a permanent Flight 93 Memorial in Somerset County.
Orie, an Allegheny County Republican, says when she first thought up the “Hearts of Steel” fundraising effort, she hoped to raise just 10-thousand dollars.
Accepting the contribution, Flight 93 National Memorial Superintendent Joanne Hanley said America’s National Parks owe their existence to generous contributions.
"All were formed, and all were supported, by the caring generosity of people like you, people like us. And it is only because of that generosity and that caring and support that they continue today."
The “Hearts of Steel” campaign raised money by selling ten-dollar stainless steel bracelets remembering the passengers of United 93, who stormed the cockpit to try and stop hijackers from attacking the White House or Capitol.
National Park officials hope to dedicate the permanent Flight 93 memorial two years from now, on the tenth anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
09 September 2009
Gerlach: No Budget, No Pay
by Scott Detrow
Public Radio Capitol News
(Harrisburg) -- A Republican candidate for governor blames both parties for Pennsylvania’s months-long budget stalemate.
Congressman Jim Gerlach, who served in the state House and Senate in the 90s, says he’d support a measure docking legislative pay if a budget isn’t passed by the July 1 deadline.
"You know there’s a reason why we’re the last state to have a budget. Because there hasn’t been the level of negotiation and conclusion of negotiation that allows everyone to move forward," he told the Capitol press corps Tuesday. "And it seems to me, then, that there ought to be some financial penalty attached to that to try and stimulate that closure to the process."
Gerlach also repeated a call for Attorney General Tom Corbett to remove himself from the ongoing “Bonusgate” investigation.
Gerlach says he doesn’t think it’s appropriate for a candidate to lobby lawmakers for support, while simultaneously looking into legislative abuses.
Corbett has insisted there’s no conflict of interest in his investigation and exploratory campaign.
Public Radio Capitol News
(Harrisburg) -- A Republican candidate for governor blames both parties for Pennsylvania’s months-long budget stalemate.
Congressman Jim Gerlach, who served in the state House and Senate in the 90s, says he’d support a measure docking legislative pay if a budget isn’t passed by the July 1 deadline.
"You know there’s a reason why we’re the last state to have a budget. Because there hasn’t been the level of negotiation and conclusion of negotiation that allows everyone to move forward," he told the Capitol press corps Tuesday. "And it seems to me, then, that there ought to be some financial penalty attached to that to try and stimulate that closure to the process."
Gerlach also repeated a call for Attorney General Tom Corbett to remove himself from the ongoing “Bonusgate” investigation.
Gerlach says he doesn’t think it’s appropriate for a candidate to lobby lawmakers for support, while simultaneously looking into legislative abuses.
Corbett has insisted there’s no conflict of interest in his investigation and exploratory campaign.
Unions organize against HB 1828
by Scott Detrow
Public Radio Capitol News
(Harrisburg) -- Union leaders want the House to strip a pension reform amendment out of a measure letting Philadelphia impose a one-percent sales tax.
The Senate added provisions giving the commonwealth the right to take over stressed pension programs, including Pittsburgh’s.
Future employees of those municipalities would see reduced benefits, under the amendment’s guidelines.
Pennsylvania Fraternal Order of Police president Les Neri doesn’t like that.
"An issue like pension reform, that affects so many Pennsylvania families, should be dealt with separately in its own piece of legislation," he said at a Capitol rally. "If the legislature wants to do the right thing they’ll separate these issues and restore common sense to the process."
But a Senate Republican spokesman says the measure wouldn’t pass through the chamber without those pension amendments.
House and Senate staffers worked through the weekend to resolve the problem.
A House vote on the bill is scheduled for Thursday.
Public Radio Capitol News
(Harrisburg) -- Union leaders want the House to strip a pension reform amendment out of a measure letting Philadelphia impose a one-percent sales tax.
The Senate added provisions giving the commonwealth the right to take over stressed pension programs, including Pittsburgh’s.
Future employees of those municipalities would see reduced benefits, under the amendment’s guidelines.
Pennsylvania Fraternal Order of Police president Les Neri doesn’t like that.
"An issue like pension reform, that affects so many Pennsylvania families, should be dealt with separately in its own piece of legislation," he said at a Capitol rally. "If the legislature wants to do the right thing they’ll separate these issues and restore common sense to the process."
But a Senate Republican spokesman says the measure wouldn’t pass through the chamber without those pension amendments.
House and Senate staffers worked through the weekend to resolve the problem.
A House vote on the bill is scheduled for Thursday.
08 September 2009
Ministers Seek Divine Intervention in Budget Impasse
by Scott Detrow
Public Radio Capitol News
(Harrisburg) -- Pennsylvania’s budget impasse is now in its 69th day—that’s 29 days longer than the Old Testament’s Great Flood.
Hoping to spur progress, clergymen and women gathered in the state Capitol rotunda this afternoon for a prayer vigil.
Shirley Bronson, the president of Black Clergy of Philadelphia and Vicinity, was among the speakers.
She says lawmakers need to realize the implications of their actions—and inaction.
"We’re praying for people in this position to remember those people being hurt. And not just an ideology that we’re holding back on." She said. "That somehow they can come together and realize who’s hurting out there.
The group began its vigil in the rotunda, and later formed a prayer circle in the building’s east wing.
Last week, Senate President Pro Tem Joseph Scarnati told reporters talks between leaders had broken down.
He said he was hoping for a “handshake agreement” by the end of this week, but now concedes that isn’t likely.
Public Radio Capitol News
(Harrisburg) -- Pennsylvania’s budget impasse is now in its 69th day—that’s 29 days longer than the Old Testament’s Great Flood.
Hoping to spur progress, clergymen and women gathered in the state Capitol rotunda this afternoon for a prayer vigil.
Shirley Bronson, the president of Black Clergy of Philadelphia and Vicinity, was among the speakers.
She says lawmakers need to realize the implications of their actions—and inaction.
"We’re praying for people in this position to remember those people being hurt. And not just an ideology that we’re holding back on." She said. "That somehow they can come together and realize who’s hurting out there.
The group began its vigil in the rotunda, and later formed a prayer circle in the building’s east wing.
Last week, Senate President Pro Tem Joseph Scarnati told reporters talks between leaders had broken down.
He said he was hoping for a “handshake agreement” by the end of this week, but now concedes that isn’t likely.
Note to readers.
Apologies for the lull in posting. As of today, transcripts of PRCN radio reports will appear here on pubradionews.net.
Thanks,
Scott Detrow
Thanks,
Scott Detrow
11 June 2009
GOP unsure about Rendell's new cuts
by Scott Detrow
Public Radio Capitol News
(Harrisburg) -- Governor Rendell says he’s decided on an additional half-billion dollars worth of cuts to his original budget, but he’s waiting until next week to announce them.
He’ll share the details with his cabinet in the coming days, and then release the figures.
House Republican spokesman Steve Miskin says he doubts Rendell is interested in meeting the GOP halfway, and he’s skeptical the governor’s cuts will be substantial.
"Why can’t he come out today? Why can’t he come out right now and let the people of Pennsylvania know what he supports and what he doesn’t? And further, exactly specify to everybody how he intends to fund—I mean, right now it’s still a 29 billion dollar budget. How will he fund it?"
There’s roughly 1.5 billion dollars separating the Senate Republican budget rejected by the House Appropriations Committee this week, and the 29 billion dollar spending plan Rendell announced in February.
The majority of debate at the Capitol this week has centered around the need for a personal income tax hike, which some Democrats are supporting.
Public Radio Capitol News
(Harrisburg) -- Governor Rendell says he’s decided on an additional half-billion dollars worth of cuts to his original budget, but he’s waiting until next week to announce them.
He’ll share the details with his cabinet in the coming days, and then release the figures.
House Republican spokesman Steve Miskin says he doubts Rendell is interested in meeting the GOP halfway, and he’s skeptical the governor’s cuts will be substantial.
"Why can’t he come out today? Why can’t he come out right now and let the people of Pennsylvania know what he supports and what he doesn’t? And further, exactly specify to everybody how he intends to fund—I mean, right now it’s still a 29 billion dollar budget. How will he fund it?"
There’s roughly 1.5 billion dollars separating the Senate Republican budget rejected by the House Appropriations Committee this week, and the 29 billion dollar spending plan Rendell announced in February.
The majority of debate at the Capitol this week has centered around the need for a personal income tax hike, which some Democrats are supporting.
Biden returns to Cumberland County bridge
by Scott Detrow
Public Radio Capitol News
(Harrisburg) -- Vice President Joe Biden says the $787-billion federal stimulus package is doing its job to turn the economy around.
During the Obama Administration’s heavy push for the measure in February, Biden visited a crumbling bridge in Carlisle, Cumberland County to press the need for infrastructure reform.
Construction on the span began today, and Biden returned with Governor Rendell and Senator Arlen Specter to promote the progress they say the legislation is making.
Biden says the stimulus is creating jobs, and circulating money through the economy.
"But it’s building a whole new foundation for crumbling infrastructure that has gone unattended for a long time, to the degree we think it should. We’ve made some good progress since that day in February, and this bridge and the workers here to fix it up are symbols of what we’re able to do."
Both Biden and Rendell said Specter’s support for the legislation was a critical part of its passage.
Specter was one of just three Republicans to vote “yes” on the stimulus.
That stance won him scorn from GOP hard-liners, and ultimately contributed to his decision to leave the party.
Public Radio Capitol News
(Harrisburg) -- Vice President Joe Biden says the $787-billion federal stimulus package is doing its job to turn the economy around.
During the Obama Administration’s heavy push for the measure in February, Biden visited a crumbling bridge in Carlisle, Cumberland County to press the need for infrastructure reform.
Construction on the span began today, and Biden returned with Governor Rendell and Senator Arlen Specter to promote the progress they say the legislation is making.
Biden says the stimulus is creating jobs, and circulating money through the economy.
"But it’s building a whole new foundation for crumbling infrastructure that has gone unattended for a long time, to the degree we think it should. We’ve made some good progress since that day in February, and this bridge and the workers here to fix it up are symbols of what we’re able to do."
Both Biden and Rendell said Specter’s support for the legislation was a critical part of its passage.
Specter was one of just three Republicans to vote “yes” on the stimulus.
That stance won him scorn from GOP hard-liners, and ultimately contributed to his decision to leave the party.
10 June 2009
Schroder wants federal video poker investigation
by Scott Detrow
Public Radio Capitol News
(Harrisburg) -- The top Republican on the House Gaming Oversight Committee is asking federal authorities to help the state police investigate illegal video poker machine vendors.
Chester County Representative Curt Schroder says Pennsylvania officials aren’t doing enough to crack down on the industry, which he says makes millions of dollars a year off the estimated 17,000 illegal machines thought to be in operation throughout the commonwealth.
Major John Lutz, who heads the state police’s Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement, says right now the agency conducts a few vendor investigations each year, but that federal officials are already involved.
"Virtually every vendor investigation we do involves the US Attorney’s office and the Department of Justice. And they bring the Internal Revenue Service in with them."
Schroder says taking out video poker vendors would eliminate a major justification for imposing a state-regulated video poker system in Pennsylvania bars.
The Gaming Oversight Committee has yet to hold a formal vote on that legislation, which Governor Rendell is backing.
Public Radio Capitol News
(Harrisburg) -- The top Republican on the House Gaming Oversight Committee is asking federal authorities to help the state police investigate illegal video poker machine vendors.
Chester County Representative Curt Schroder says Pennsylvania officials aren’t doing enough to crack down on the industry, which he says makes millions of dollars a year off the estimated 17,000 illegal machines thought to be in operation throughout the commonwealth.
Major John Lutz, who heads the state police’s Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement, says right now the agency conducts a few vendor investigations each year, but that federal officials are already involved.
"Virtually every vendor investigation we do involves the US Attorney’s office and the Department of Justice. And they bring the Internal Revenue Service in with them."
Schroder says taking out video poker vendors would eliminate a major justification for imposing a state-regulated video poker system in Pennsylvania bars.
The Gaming Oversight Committee has yet to hold a formal vote on that legislation, which Governor Rendell is backing.
09 June 2009
Anti-tax rally fills Capitol
by Scott Detrow
Public Radio Capitol News
(Harrisburg) -- An anti-tax rally put together by Butler County Republican Representative Daryl Metcalfe drew about eighty people to the state Capitol rotunda this morning/yesterday.
As lawmakers debate filling a likely $3.2 billion deficit through budget cuts, tax increases or a mix of both, the crowd made its choice clear.
Geraldine White came from Venango County with a big cardboard sign: "Borne free, but taxed to death. We speak—please, no more taxes."
White says she doesn’t buy the argument that targeted tax increases are needed to deliver essential state services.
"No. In today’s economy you have to spend what you bring in. No more."
White and other rally attendees said they’re still upset Governor Rendell created a new state job for former Democratic representative Dan Surra earlier this year.
Surra is making $100,000 a year to promote the Pennsylvania Wilds.
Public Radio Capitol News
(Harrisburg) -- An anti-tax rally put together by Butler County Republican Representative Daryl Metcalfe drew about eighty people to the state Capitol rotunda this morning/yesterday.
As lawmakers debate filling a likely $3.2 billion deficit through budget cuts, tax increases or a mix of both, the crowd made its choice clear.
Geraldine White came from Venango County with a big cardboard sign: "Borne free, but taxed to death. We speak—please, no more taxes."
White says she doesn’t buy the argument that targeted tax increases are needed to deliver essential state services.
"No. In today’s economy you have to spend what you bring in. No more."
White and other rally attendees said they’re still upset Governor Rendell created a new state job for former Democratic representative Dan Surra earlier this year.
Surra is making $100,000 a year to promote the Pennsylvania Wilds.
08 June 2009
House panel rejects Senate budget
by Scott Detrow
Public Radio Capitol News
(Harrisburg) -- The budget passed by Pennsylvania’s Republican-controlled Senate has been rejected by the House Appropriations Committee.
The panel voted 20-14 to kill the measure, which Democrats say would cut spending at drastic rates.
During two hours of debate, Allegheny County Democrat Dan Frankel said county and municipal governments would have to pick up the slack if the commonwealth reduced spending at levels suggested by GOP lawmakers.
"Much of this process, about cutting at the state level, means shifting to the local level. Whether it’s the county governments or school districts, that’s what Senate Bill 850 does. It shifts responsibility."
Republicans called the meeting a charade, complaining Committee Chairman Dwight Evans wouldn’t let lawmakers propose amendments to the budget.
Governor Rendell is expected to announce an additional 400 to 500 million dollars in cuts to his original spending plan in the near future.
The General Assembly has until June 30th to reach a final spending plan.
Public Radio Capitol News
(Harrisburg) -- The budget passed by Pennsylvania’s Republican-controlled Senate has been rejected by the House Appropriations Committee.
The panel voted 20-14 to kill the measure, which Democrats say would cut spending at drastic rates.
During two hours of debate, Allegheny County Democrat Dan Frankel said county and municipal governments would have to pick up the slack if the commonwealth reduced spending at levels suggested by GOP lawmakers.
"Much of this process, about cutting at the state level, means shifting to the local level. Whether it’s the county governments or school districts, that’s what Senate Bill 850 does. It shifts responsibility."
Republicans called the meeting a charade, complaining Committee Chairman Dwight Evans wouldn’t let lawmakers propose amendments to the budget.
Governor Rendell is expected to announce an additional 400 to 500 million dollars in cuts to his original spending plan in the near future.
The General Assembly has until June 30th to reach a final spending plan.
Casey wades into budget debate
by Scott Detrow
Public Radio Capitol News
(Harrisburg) -- Senator Bob Casey is the latest high-profile Pennsylvania Democrat to lambaste a budget passed by the Republican-controlled Senate.
He joined Education Secretary Gerald Zahorchak at East Pennsboro High School in Enola, Cumberland County, to decry education cuts in the Senate’s budget.
The Republican plan would reduce state spending, and use 728 million in stimulus dollars to keep overall funding at a level pace, while Governor Rendell’s plan would use a combination of state and federal dollars to increase the education budget.
Casey says he understands the need to cut spending, but wants lawmakers to look elsewhere.
"At a time when we’ve got a terrible economy—people have lost their homes or their jobs and their hopes and their dreams—the worst thing we can do is cut education funding."
Republicans says the Rendell Administration is exaggerating the impact of their budget, which they say reflects Pennsylvania’s reduced revenue.
The House Appropriations Committee has rejected the Senate spending plan, so it has no chance of becoming law.
Public Radio Capitol News
(Harrisburg) -- Senator Bob Casey is the latest high-profile Pennsylvania Democrat to lambaste a budget passed by the Republican-controlled Senate.
He joined Education Secretary Gerald Zahorchak at East Pennsboro High School in Enola, Cumberland County, to decry education cuts in the Senate’s budget.
The Republican plan would reduce state spending, and use 728 million in stimulus dollars to keep overall funding at a level pace, while Governor Rendell’s plan would use a combination of state and federal dollars to increase the education budget.
Casey says he understands the need to cut spending, but wants lawmakers to look elsewhere.
"At a time when we’ve got a terrible economy—people have lost their homes or their jobs and their hopes and their dreams—the worst thing we can do is cut education funding."
Republicans says the Rendell Administration is exaggerating the impact of their budget, which they say reflects Pennsylvania’s reduced revenue.
The House Appropriations Committee has rejected the Senate spending plan, so it has no chance of becoming law.
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