State Senate Passes New Budget
By Tony Romeo
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - The state Senate on Sunday approved a new budget, while a vote in the House is still pending.
Meanwhile, it appears a package of legislation to enact Mayor Nutter's initiatives will be added to the list of things that won't get done before summer recess.
During Senate debate on the budget, Philadelphia Democrat Mike Stack lamented the lack of state funding for Philadelphia schools, and lamented inaction on a package of bills sought by Mayor Nutter:
"Apparently the school district is not going to be able to have those tools to collect at least $100 million in delinquent taxes," he said.
The spokesman for the Senate majority leader confirms that it is "very unlikely" that the Senate will act on that and several other bills to address the city's property tax overhaul.
Another bill to allow the city to tax cigarettes to raise funds for schools is also unlikely to get a vote.
A plan to divert money from city sales taxes to schools is in play. The spokesman says this wouldn't be in effect for the new fiscal year, but it would be possible to borrow against the revenues.
