It would seem that the reported Pennsylvania state budget 'deal' is in jeopardy:

• GrassrootsPA reports at least 5 Senate Republicans will vote no on the budget.
• A few Senate Democrats joined in to protest the sales tax on admission to concerts, museums, and performing arts.
• A number of House Democrats in Western PA oppose the tax on "small games of chance" which will affect fire halls, the American Legion, and the like.
• House Republicans seem almost unanimous in their opposition to the deal.

Of course, the 'deal' was not quite the "three-caucus agreement" as often reported, but really something only nine men have signed off on behind closed doors, and are sharing very little information about their agreement.

Perhaps it is time to reconvene the conference committee and negotiate this budget in public, and avoid using WAMs and slush funds to buy votes.

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