House to hold session amid swirling Pa. budget disagreements

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives is scheduled to return to session this weekend, amid a three-week stalemate with the Senate and Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf over how to resolve state government’s deficit.

House Republican aides said Thursday that votes could be held on a revenue package that leans heavily on borrowing and tapping off-budget programs.

Wolf has said a tax increase is necessary to avoid a downgrade to Pennsylvania’s battered credit rating.

But House Speaker Mike Turzai opposes a tax increase, amid other disagreements.

Wolf last week let a nearly $32 billion budget bill become law without his signature, even though budget negotiators say it is about $1.5 billion out of balance. Held up in the Legislature is $600 million in aid to Penn State, Pitt, Temple, Lincoln and Penn.