PA facing bigger budget shortfall than expected

By: Scott Detrow

Pennsylvania’s Senate Majority Leader says he’s worried the state may be facing an even bigger deficit than expected.

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.

Listen:
Click on the play button below or right click on this link and choose “Save Link As” to download. [audio: reports20090311deficit.mp3]