PA Environment Digest Blog: Tuesday NewsClips

The Senate Appropriations Committee is scheduled to meet at 11:00 today where Senate Republicans will lay out their initial budget package totaling $27.65 billion, more than the Governor's $27.15 billion. The proposal is expected to restore about $500 million in funding cuts proposed by Gov. Corbett and make an additional $165 million in cuts of their own. Areas of restoration include:

-- $245 million in funding for higher education-- $147 million for state-related universities, $83 million for state-owned universities, $15 million for PHEAA;

-- $50 million for cash-strapped school districts;

-- $14 million in early childhood education;

-- $168 million in mental health and retardation services;

-- $18 million to the Keystone Conservation Fund.
Budget Secretary Charles Zogby has already said the state cannot afford the Senate plan, noting mandated cost increases over the next two years will add more than $1 billion about projected revenue growth.

A final vote on the Senate GOP package is expected by Wednesday.

Senate GOP Plan Would Add Money For Education

Senate Bill To Restore $500 Million In Corbett Budget Cuts

Senate Rs Prepare Budget With More For Colleges, Schools, Social Services

Corbett Says He Might Restore Some Funding In Budget Talks

PA Deficit Better Than Feared, Only $300 Million

Corbett: Pennsylvania Is A Leader In Energy

Banks Benefit From Marcellus Shale

House To Vote On Stripping Feds Of Water Withdrawal Authority

Homer City Power Plant Begins $700 Million Upgrade

Marcus Hook Refinery's Fate Still Uncertain

Gasoline Prices Have Peaked For Season Experts Say