Media
Hey Big Spender
Yesterday, Gov. Rendell held a press conference to make note that Tom Corbett was overstating the amount of Pennsylvania taxpayer money Rendell was wasting on pork-barrel projects. Examples cited include the Arlen Specter Library, funded via the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP).
While the Specter Library is easy to pick on — because it’s such an egregious use of taxpayer money, and since Specter may have had a hand in the demise of the Library of Alexandria in 48 BC — there have been other notable issues with the recent use of RACP funds (i.e., state government debt for pork projects).
- John Baer notes how $20 million in borrowed RACP funds are going to a project led by a Rendell buddy/campaign donor. Gov. Rendell has promised this funding for a new resort locals don’t want.
- RACP will help fund another sports stadium, though local officials don’t have enough details.
- Despite the House passing a tax on the natural gas industry, RACP money would also go to fund projects boosting gas development in the Marcellus Shale.
- Philly.com’s Our Money blog offers a primer on how RACP goes to millionaires.
- RACP will subsidize a new movie theater in State College.
- And Robert Swift has compiled a number of proposed projects in the Hazleton Area and Scranton Area.
To highlight Gov. Rendell’s tax, borrow, and spend record, Matt Brouillette will be joining the Spending Revolt Bus Tour at a number of stops across Pennsylvania this week and next.