Balancing the Budget

Two leaders in the Pennsylvania legislature discuss the upcoming struggle to pass a new state budget on Pennsylvania Newsmakers, airing around the state this weekend. Senate Appropriations Chair Robert Thompson (R), Chester Co., and Democratic Caucus Secretary Jeff Coy (D), Franklin Co., present a variety of views on the efforts to balance the budget with its $1.2 billion deficit. Topics discussed are the use of the rainy day fund, an increase in the cigarette tax, slot machines at the race tracks, the capitol stock and franchise tax, and property tax reform. The legislators are interviewed by John Micek of the Allentown Morning Call and program host G. Terry Madonna