Budget Battle Begins

The members of the Pennsylvania House have gotten their first official look at Governor Ed Rendell's 2009-2010 budget. The Package was officially introduced last week. Many believe it will be just the first step in a very long and hard-fought process. The budget process began on an ominous note-legislative officials say dismal April revenue numbers put the state on track for a 3 billion dollar deficit in the current fiscal year. Governor Rendell's spending plan is just less than $29 billion, but Republican critics charge it ignores the state's poor finances. Shortly after the bill was formally introduced, House GOP spokesman Steve Miskin called it irresponsible. He Said, “If you only have 25, 26 billion dollars in revenues, you can't go increase spending to 29 billion. Which is-the budget that the Democrats are introducing today actually increases spending three billion dollars more than what we have. I mean, it clearly doesn't make sense.” Republicans want a final spending plan closer to 27 and a half billion dollars, and are against the taxes Rendell is proposing. The Governor insists his budget is responsible, and meets Pennsylvania's financial needs while trimming spending in the right places. The budget deadline is June 30th.