Rendell and GOP Not Negotiating

Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell said he isn’t actively negotiating with Republican leaders on a budget compromise. Rendell says he’s available and willing to talk, but with one exception, he hasn’t sat down to hash out budget differences with Republican leaders in about three weeks.

"I’ve met with the Democrats, but they’re not the problem. It’s been about three weeks since I had any direct conversations—I take that back. We did meet with Senator Scarnati, Steve Crawford and I, last week. But other than that it’s been almost three weeks."

A spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi says the GOP is “puzzled” by Rendell’s lack of interest in negotiating. Connecticut’s governor has come to terms with lawmakers on a budget, so Pennsylvania and Arizona are now the only two states without spending plans in place. Rendell insists Republicans’ 27.5 billion dollar proposal isn’t realistic, saying the lowest spend number he’d accept is just below 28 billion dollars.
He says the GOP needs to accept some form of new taxes, and pushed for limiting sales tax exemptions.
Tuesday's conference committee adjourned after two hours, and legislative leaders haven’t decided when they’ll meet next.
Listen to Scott Detrow's interview with Governor Rendell.