Table Games Dispute Holding up Education Funds

The stalemate between House Democratic and Senate Republican leaders over a tax rate on table game revenues at Pennsylvania casinos could lead to higher second semester tuition bills at the University of Pittsburgh, Penn State, Temple and Lincoln Universities. That's according to the chancellor and presidents of those universities.
The budget agreement Governor Ed Rendell singed last months assumes $200 million from the legalizing of tables games. The governor has said he will not release discretionary funds for the state-related universities until an agreement on table games is reached. The House approved a 34% tax rate on table game revenues, the Senate okayed a 12% rate. The governor has said he wants a compromise by the end of Monday, but House Democrats say that's not going to happen. State lawmakers have been on an election recess even though Tuesday was not a legislative election.