Stage Set for Rendell’s Budget Address; Upcoming Budget Hearing Schedule
Governor Rendell will give his last state budget address on Tuesday, February 9. In anticipation of the address, the House and Senate have begun holding their annual budget hearings with experts and independent state agencies to determine what to expect in the economy, and what increases or cuts the agencies can afford to incur in the coming fiscal year, which begins July 1. 

Democrats have proposed an optimistic timeframe for an on-time budget using a two year budgeting process.

The Governor has suggested he will propose a state budget increase of “about four percent,” despite projections of a current year deficit of $450 million.  Last week, House Appropriations Chair Dwight Evans (D, Philadelphia) outlined his process for House budget consideration, and set a goal of approving a budget bill in that chamber by May 1.

This week Senate Democrats said their caucus had five major budget priorities for 2010-2011.  These include an on-time budget with no broad-based tax increases; maintaining education progress; investing in job growth and economic development; targeting state resources to wisely save tax dollars; and retooling failed or failing state programs.

Senate Minority Leader Robert Mellow said PA needs to reform the business tax climate projecting a decrease in the corporate income tax to 7.9percent, and closing the “Delaware Loophole” which he projected would yield an additional $500 million in revenues.   Senator Jay Costa (D, Allegheny) said the Democrats would concentrate on retraining for the recently unemployed, and push for greater investment in green jobs and energy sector jobs.

A list of pertinent budget hearings scheduled by the House and Senate is available here.(LINK)

Below is a list of pertinent budget hearings scheduled at this time.

House Appropriations

Tuesday, February 16            
Department of Community and Economic Development

Monday, February 22
Department of Environmental Protection;
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Department of Agriculture

Thursday, February 25
Office of the Governor / Executive Offices / Secretary of the Budget

Senate Appropriations     

Tuesday, February 16           
Department of Revenue/Governor's Budget Office

Wednesday, February 17       
Department of Agriculture

Monday, February 22           
Department of Community and Economic Development 
Executive Offices and Office of the Governor

Tuesday, February 23
Department of Conservation & Natural Resources
Public Utility Commission

Monday, March 1
Department of Environmental Protection

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