LAWMAKERS HAVE HELD INFORMAL BUDGET TALKS, BUT DEADLOCK REMAINS

House Democrats and Senate Republicans confirm to PLS that legislative leaders have quietly met informally for budget negotiations since Governor Ed Rendell signed a “bridge” budget last week, although spokesmen for each group said the discussions led to little progress. “Informal discussions have been going on daily since the stop-gap budget was signed,” said Bob Caton, spokesman for Speaker of the House Keith McCall (D-Carbon). Go to www.mypls.com and click “News and Views” to read the full story.

SMITH ASKS D LEADERS TO RECONVENE HOUSE, VOTE ON TAX CODE MEASURE

At a press conference yesterday, House Minority Leader Sam Smith (R-Jefferson) asked that Democratic Leaders reconvene the House and bring a Tax Code bill up for a vote as soon as possible.  Convinced the votes do not exist to pass a tax increase in the House at this point, Rep.  Smith questioned, “Why are we messing up people’s lives for something that isn’t going to happen?” Check the PLS Capitol Toolbox to read the full story.

TABLE GAMES GAINING MOMENTUM

According to an article in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette, Slowly but

Continue reading Eye Opener – August 13, 2009