Vote On Pennsylvania School Voucher Bill Delayed
HARRISBURG, Pa. (CBS) - A highly anticipated state senate vote on a school tuition voucher bill has been postponed for at least several weeks (see related story).
A delay in voting on a major issue like school vouchers is often a sign of trouble for supporters. Add to that the fact that Governor Corbett met with Senate Republicans Tuesday to give them a pep talk on the voucher bill. Nonetheless, Chester Republican Dominic Pileggi – the Senate majority leader – downplayed the delay.
"Oh, no, no. We have very, very strong support in our caucus for the bill," Pileggi says. "It's still a caucus priority."
But Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa of Allegheny County says the picture's not so rosy.
"I think the concerns are a little deeper than have been let on," Costa says.
Likewise, Pileggi says Republicans believe Philadelphia Democrat Anthony Williams, a major voucher backer who's recuperating from a medical procedure, should be present for the vote.
But Costa says Republicans knew that Williams would not be present when they planned a vote for this week. Costa says Williams' condition is not serious.
Reported by Tony Romeo, KYW Newsradio
