TAXES, SPENDING Senate bills at a glance

Major taxes and spending in a package of bills approved by the Pennsylvania Senate on Saturday.
MAJOR REVENUE ITEMS
An income tax increase from 2.8 percent to 3.07 percent to raise about $729 million annually for the state's general fund to help pay for new education programs, restore budget cuts and avert a deficit.
$450 million in federal money for the state's general fund in fiscal 2003-04. That's about half of the emergency budget aid that President Bush provided to Pennsylvania earlier this year. The other half will be applied to next year's budget.
A 35-cent per-pack increase on the cigarette tax to raise about $255 million annually: $183 million would go toward helping physicians pay their share of a state-run insurance fund that covers medical malpractice claims against them; the rest, $72 million, would go toward the general fund. The increase would boost the $1 per pack tax already levied on cigarettes to $1.35 per pack.
A tax on gross receipts from interstate land line calls to raise about $124 million in fiscal year 2003-04 and $98 million in fiscal year 2004-05 beginning July 1 for the general fund. It includes an exemption for call centers.
A tax on gross receipts from cell phone calls that would raise about $194 million annually for the general fund.
An increase in fees on administrative filings, such as birth certificates and death certificates, to raise $29.3 million annually for the general fund.
A delay in the phasing out of the Capital Stock and Franchise Tax that would retain about $60.7 million in fiscal 2003-04 and $116.8 million in fiscal 2004-05 for the general fffffffund.
MAJOR SPENDING ITEMS
$4.2 billion earmarked for public school subsidies, which provide an average of about 35 percent of each district's budget statewide. Most of this money is already accounted for in expected revenues this fiscal year, but has been held up in budget negotiations.
About $450 million to offset a deficit expected by the Rendell administration in fiscal year 2003-04.
$258 million for new education programs. Of that, $175 million will go toward public school grants in fiscal year 2004-05 to introduce programs to help schools raise test scores. Schools can use the money for full-day kindergarten, reducing class sizes, and more.
$41 million to private schools for special education to offset the cost of inflation.
$40 million to cover a shortfall in the state employees benefits trust fund.
$33 million for Senate and House operations.
$25 million to HMOs for Medicaid patients.
$12.5 million to trauma care centers to maintain certifications.
MAJOR BUDGET RESTORATIONS
$85.7 million cut from funding to cover hospital shortfalls from treatment of uninsured patients and to subsidize teaching hospitals and community health centers. The restoration is 100 percent.
$61 million out of $66 million cut from funds for mental health services providers and drug and alcohol treatment programs.
$50 million to be split between the House, Senate, and governor's office for discretionary spending on grants.
$29.6 million out of $33 million cut from funds that counties can use for a variety of purposes, including mental health services and drug and alcohol treatment.
$16.1 million cut from mass transit. The restoration is 100 percent.
$10.1 million of $37 million cut from libraries.
Source: Associated Press