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Budget Deficit Projected At $3 Billion, Senate Republican Unveil Their Proposal Next Week
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House Majority Appropriations Chair Dwight Evans (D-Philadelphia) this week said the state's budget deficit is likely to be $3 billion, instead of the $2.3 billion projected by Gov. Rendell and Friday he introduced Gov. Rendell's proposed 2009-10 budget.
Gov. Rendell's budget would cut another $77 million in environmental spending and force the elimination of 240 positions in environmental agencies. (Pa Environment Digest 2/9/09)
The Department of Revenue this week reported that Pennsylvania collected $3 billion in General Fund revenue in April, $941.5 million, or 24.2 percent, less than anticipated. Fiscal year-to-date General Fund collections total $21.7 billion, which is $2.6 billion, or 10.5 percent, below estimate.
Senate Republicans are expected to try to move their own version of the 2009-10 budget next week. The gap between their proposal and the Governor's is likely to be very large.
Republicans are rumored to have started with the 2006-07 budget with some additions. Lots of groups, including some of the GOP's key constituents are not likely to look kindly on the results.
"We have been educating the public about the state’s finances since November,” House Majority Appropriations Chair Dwight Evans (D-Philadelphia) said. “Now it’s time to move the process forward and introducing legislation is the next step. I have said all along there is no single solution to this problem and my position hasn’t changed. The Governor has given us a blueprint that will help shape the debate as we craft the 2009/10 budget. “No matter how bad the numbers get, the goal of the Democratic Caucus will be to protect the health and safety of our most vulnerable citizens including children, the disabled and the elderly.”
NewsClip: Budget Deficit Mushrooms In April |
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5/6/2009 |
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