Media
Budget Preview
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette story previews Rendell’s budget proposal, including “Rebuilding Pennsylvania”, involving a three-year, $860 million ($287/year average) in new spending on infrastructure, mostly through new borrowing. He also promises “no new taxes”, but by that he means no new taxes other than the ones he proposed last year that weren’t enacted.
Philadelphia Inquirer reports that Rendell will propose a $291 million increase in basic education funding (a 5.9% increase, no details on any specific programs, like laptops for everyone). There is also mention of changing the education funding formula – but one that appears to still be a district-based formula, rather than a Fund the Child approach.
The Times Online has another budget preview.