Pa. Senate begins debate on budget veto overrides

HARRISBURG (AP) — The state Senate is beginning debate on what is supposed to be a series of attempts to override some of the spending items vetoed by Democratic Gov. Ed Rendell.

Senate Republican leader Dominic Pileggi began the debate today, saying it makes no sense to deny money for certain services when Democrats and Republicans agree on a funding level.

He says that includes rape crisis services, homeless shelters and drug and alcohol counseling.

The Democratic governor vetoed nearly $13 billion earlier this month in an attempt to force Republicans to agree to more money for public schools, preschool classes, college tuition grants and more.

Rendell authorized just $12.8 billion to keep government offices open and ensure that lifesaving programs can operate.

State government remains mired in a seven-week-old budget stalemate.