by KYW’s Tony Romeo

The Pennsylvania legislature’s approval of millions of dollars in borrowing for various construction projects as part of the budget package is nothing new, but two of those projects have made many people shake their heads over this year’s appropriation.Franklin and Marshall College professor and political analyst Terry Madonna says the legislature’s authorization to borrow money for capital projects is hardly unprecedented:

“No, I mean historically the Commonwealth has raised money for economic development activities by using its borrowing capacity.”

So what’s all the fuss about this time? Madonna says it comes down to two projects: an Arlen Specter library for the University of Philadelphia and a John Murtha Center for Public Policy in Johnstown:

“It appears to be a reward for their service when we’re in recession.”

Madonna also faults a lack of transparency in the process. Governor Rendell defends the Specter library and Murtha center as good projects and says capital dollars can’t be used to balance the operating budget, anyway.