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.