Governor Willing to Discuss Restoring Some Funding Next Year

Governor Corbett is reacting with caution to word that the state’s revenue figures are starting to show improvement.  He says the numbers are encouraging.

However, the Governor adds that just as predictions were made in February anticipating a higher year end deficit based on the facts then, these new projections are based on the facts today, which could change quickly.

Earlier in the week, the Independent Fiscal Office projected a year end deficit of about 300 million. In February, the Governor’s office had projected a gap of more than 700 million.  April’s revenue collections came in 99 million dollars over projects.  At the end of last month, the state was running 288 million dollars  behind projections.

Some lawmakers are calling for funding to be restored to the proposed budget for the next fiscal year, based on the improved numbers. Governor Corbett says he’s open to discussion with the legislature about restoring some cuts, but wants to be cautious.

With less than two months to go in the fiscal year, the Governor was asked about the prospects of a second on-time budget.  He says he believes it will be done on time, and hopefully it won’t be ten minutes before midnight (see photo above of last year’s budget signing).  He says talks with legislators have been cordial and very productive.