Pa. still without a budget; conference committee meets to try to strike a deal

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Pennsylvania legislators are reconvening a conference committee as the state budget stalemates enters its third month.

The panel of three senators and three representatives met for two days in late July, but the discussion quickly bogged down and produced no visible progress toward a budget deal.

The committee is reassembling today to discuss how to finance about $28 billion in spending this year.

On Monday, Gov. Ed Rendell said the committee needs to educate the public about the financial challenges that lie ahead for state government so they understand why tax increases are necessary.

Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi, a Delaware County Republican who’s on the conference committee, says he’s skeptical the session will be productive