Panel to be Formed to Develop Budget Compromise

As the Pennsylvania budget stalemate continues for a fourth week, it could soon be up to a small panel of lawmakers to draw up a compromise spending plan.
The State House voted 150 to 49 yesterday to reject a budget crafted in the Republican-controlled Senate. The move sets the stage for a conference committee to be formed.
Brett Marcy, a spokesman for House Majority Leader Todd Eachus, says Democrats hope that will kick-start negotiations.

"Unfortunately, the Senate Republicans have not wavered off their original position. The governor and the Democrats have been the only party to begin to move and we're hopeful now that this move will bring the Senate Republicans to the table."

Knowing the budget bill was on its way to a conference committee, House Republican Whip Mike Turzai had a message for the Governor and Democratic leaders.

"The old days are over. These bodies are not going to vote for a tax increase, and I believe that is true of members on both sides of the aisle."


Governor Rendell hailed the House vote as a "resounding affirmation" that lawmakers want to protect education. Though the committee won't be formed until next week, negotiations are expected to continue behind closed doors in the meantime.