HARRISBURG – The handshake budget deal proclaimed three weeks ago today didn’t happen.  Pennsylvania remains the only state in the nation without a budget.  Now, the dubious distinction of hitting the 100th day.

Today, the Senate mulls over a $27.8 billion dollar budget voted up by the House early Thursday.  Some senators say this as close as the legislature has gotten since the budget was due July 1.

"Although not perfect, this budget includes many of the ideals that House Democrats fought for”, said Rep. John Siptroth (D-Monroe).  “Even though this budget would spend less than last year, it would increase funding for basic education by $300 million, which is vital for helping school boards in Monroe and Pike counties avoid an even greater reliance on local property taxes. We successfully fought to remove taxes on our hardworking volunteer organizations and admission to local arts events and museums. 

Still to be resolved are differences over issues such as table games at casinos, and natural gas drilling on state land.  Both are ideas put forth to generate revenue for the new budget.