Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi was the featured speaker at today’s Press Club Luncheon, and the Delaware County senator’s comments revolved mainly around the 2010-11 budget, whose deadline for passage is Wednesday. Senator Pileggi said negotiations with Governor Rendell, which broke down on Sunday, still have a chance at success before July 1. But he said regardless of any agreement with the governor, the Senate will pass a general appropriations bill by Wednesday. Of potentially even greater concern than this year’s budget, he said, is the $5-6 billion structural deficit that will be facing the newly elected Governor Corbett or Onorato in 2011. Check the Press Conferences section of the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story.
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The PA State Government Management and Cost Study Commission presented their final report before the June 30th deadline, after a five month long study. Chairman David Argall said that the state could save hundreds of millions, if the proper cost cutting measures were enacted. Among some of the recommendations of the Commission were: - Standing Committees being required to annually propose one significant cost-cutting initiative - Reduction of State Vehicles - Investigation of the Department of Public Welfare programs For the full details on both total savings and individual program savings, check out the Capitol Toolbox later this afternoon. LEGISLATIVE LEADERS MAKE PROGRESS TOWARD BUDGET DEAL Legislative leaders emerged from a roughly tw0-and-a-half hour meeting with the governor late Saturday night to report progress, but no deal, on the budget. “We made further progress, but we still have work to do,” said Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-Delaware). All leaders were brief with their remarks after leaving the Governor’s Residence and offered little to no detail about what was discussed or what progress was made, but Senator Pileggi did say new disagreements have not emerged. Click here to read the News and Views article. SCARNATI EXPRESSES SUPPORT FOR GROWING GREENER According to an article in the Patriot News, some green advocates worry that Governor Rendell wants to tap environmental funds to help plug the funding hole created as Democrats and Republicans work toward a deal. Quickly stepping into the perceived breach as defender of projects green was Rendell’s second in command: Republican Lt. Gov. and Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati. “I’ve said for some time the Republicans in the Senate need to lead on environmental issues,” Scarnati said. “It’s the perfect time for Republicans to show they do care about the environment.” Continue reading Eye Opener – June 28, 2010 |
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