Federal Payroll Tax Break Deal Reached

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that on Thursday talks regarding the payroll tax break made significant progress in Congress.  A deal that will extend a “$1 billion federal payroll tax break through the end of” 2012 has been reached.  The deal also includes a hold off on cutting some Medicare payments and extends some unemployment benefits.

Governor Corbett unveils 2012-13 budget proposal

On Tuesday Governor Tom Corbett gave his budget address and presented his proposed budget for 2012-13.  Gov. Corbett’s budget does not include any tax increases.  He stated that “state government has less revenue because our citizens have less for themselves. We can’t ask people to travel the road to recovery and then turn around and add to the burden they must carry along the way.” 

Governor Corbett unveils 2012-13 budget proposal

On Tuesday Governor Tom Corbett gave his budget address and presented his proposed budget for 2012-13.  Gov. Corbett’s budget does not include any tax increases.  He stated that “state government has less revenue because our citizens have less for themselves. We can’t ask people to travel the road to recovery and then turn around and add to the burden they must carry along the way.” 

PA Revenue Numbers

Pennsylvania Legislative Services reports that Pennsylvania collected $2.2 billion in general fund revenue in January. This is $10.4 million less than anticipated.The fiscal year to date general fund collection is 3.5% below estimate.

Jury to Begin Deliberation in DeWeese Trial

Supreme Court Set to Reject New Map

This week the PA Supreme Court issued a brief court order stating that the redistricting map will have to be redrawn. According to the Pittsburgh Post Gazette, the full opinion from the 4 judges who rejected the map is expected next week. One judge , Democrat Max Baer, already revealed that they want the map to be more compact, focused more on population and rethink how districts are divided.

Poll on Presidential Approval

Supreme Court Set to Reject New Map

This week the PA Supreme Court issued a brief court order stating that the redistricting map will have to be redrawn. According to the Pittsburgh Post Gazette, the full opinion from the 4 judges who rejected the map is expected next week. One judge , Democrat Max Baer, already revealed that they want the map to be more compact, focused more on population and rethink how districts are divided.

Poll on Presidential Approval

PA #2 in Gambling Revenue

According to the Pittsburgh Tribune Review, the state Gaming Control Board released figures showing Pennsylvania as the second-biggest gambling state in 2011, beating out New Jersey. The 10 casinos in PA made a gross revenue of $3.02 billion while New Jersey reported a revenue if $2.95 billion. Experts say the surge in PA gambling is due to the recent addition of table games. The largest gambling state is Nevada with approximately $10 billion in revenue annually.