CAWP Legislative News 3-09

Budget Deal Reached, Details Still Being Worked Out

Last Friday, Governor Rendell and legislative leaders announced a tentative budget agreement. The package- announced on September 18, calls for about $28 billion in spending. The proposed budget raises business and cigarette taxes and legalizes table games at slot parlors. The plan also imposes a sales tax on tickets to plays, concerts, museums, and zoos, and taxes small games of chance.

Despite having an agreement, it is currently unclear if there are enough votes in the House to pass the proposed budget. House Republican Leaders say their Caucus opposes the latest deal and some moderate Democrats have also expressed opposition.

Even after enough House votes are secured, Senate Pro Temp Scarnati says it is unlikely the budget will pass before October 2. In the meantime, legislative staffers are going through the budget line-by-line, making revisions as the terms continue to be altered by the Caucuses.