PA facing bigger budget shortfall than expected
Wednesday, March 11th, 2009
By: Scott Detrow
Pennsylvania's Senate Majority Leader says he's worried the state may be facing an even bigger deficit than expected.
The revenue department collected $1.5 billion in February-that's $116 million less than officials had been counting on.
Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi, a Republican representing parts of Chester and Delaware counties, says he's concerned that's a sign the state's uphill financial battle is getting worse.
Pileggi: "The revenues received for February were very depressing, and could easily lead to a conclusion that our revenue shortfall could approach three billion dollars this year."
A spokesman for Governor Rendell says the administration is still operating on the assumption of a $2.3 billion shortfall. He says the majority of Pennsylvania's tax revenue will be generated over the next few months, so budget officials will have a much better idea of the final deficit in six to eight weeks. Rendell has said state jobs will have to be eliminated to make up part of the shortfall.
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