Pa. Gov. Tom Corbett's welfare cuts draw anger from Dems

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — State Democratic senators are challenging Gov. Tom Corbett’s top public welfare official over the administration’s moves to stop the growth of spending despite rising demand and health-care costs.

Sen. Vincent Hughes asked Public Welfare Secretary Gary Alexander today how he justifies a proposed $275 million tax cut for businesses while slashing benefits and reimbursements for the poor and disabled.

Alexander didn’t address tax cuts, but maintains that the current safety-net programs are unsustainable, and Pennsylvania is getting less money from the federal government. Alexander was appearing before the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Corbett, a Republican, is proposing a $27.1 billion budget that would cut businesses taxes and spending for education and human services. The administration is grappling with lackluster tax collection and rising costs for health care and pensions.