Pennsylvania budget talks enter weekend as decision looms

Pennsylvania’s House of Representatives is scheduled to return to session this weekend as budget negotiators are still at odds over how to fill a hole in a spending plan on Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf’s desk.

The Republican-controlled House’s session was scheduled for Sunday afternoon.

Meanwhile, Wolf has until midnight Monday to make a decision on how to handle a roughly $30 billion spending bill before it becomes law without his signature.

Wolf has said he wouldn’t sign it without sustainable revenue to fund it. Bills authorizing another nearly $600 million for Penn State, Temple, Pitt, Lincoln and Penn are still pending in the House.

Budget negotiators are looking at options including expanding casino-style gambling and increasing taxes on cigarettes to help fill a hole of more than $1 billion.