HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) -
For the second year, Gov. Tom Corbett has presented a budget plan that proposes less spending than the previous year, which is unprecedented at the Capitol.
The $27.1 billion plan cuts welfare and higher education, but holds the line on taxes.
There is no tax increase but no spending increase for public schools. There is a 20 percent cut to state-owned universities like Millersville and Shippensburg and a 30 percent cut to Penn State, Pitt, and Temple - which drew quick criticism from Democrats.
"At the end of the day, if you want more folks to make their way to a college degree, one of the things you have to do is make it more affordable," Senate Minority Leader Jay Costa said.
Pennsylvania's crumbling roads and bridges have been ignored for too long, and the governor ignored them again, saying it's too big of an issue for a budget address.
Senate Transportation Chair John Rafferty wants his attention.
"If he's serious about this, he's gonna lead on it," Rafferty said. "We'll work with him, but he's gonna have to be involved in each bill writing and involved to make sure we have votes to get the legislation passed."
Welfare is getting cut. Its cash assistance program is being eliminated and the social service safety net is being stretched tighter.
"Our commitment to Pennsylvania's neediest posed a special challenge," Gov. Corbett said. "Welfare does not produce wealth."
While some are blasting the governor for tough cuts, some suggested he didn't cut enough.
"We spent $861 every second in this state presently, and that's not enough it seems like," Senator Mike Folmer (R-Lebanon) said.
"The Pennsylvania fiscal house is still on fire. We're still spending too much in this state," said Stephen Bloom (R-Cumberland). "I think the governor threw some water on that fire, but does it put out the fire enough? That's questionable."
Democrats are throwing cold water on the governor's budget and lawmakers will get their say before it's finalized. They have lots to say.
"People are gonna see higher local property taxes, and higher tuition costs," said Rep. Mike Sturla (D-Lancaster). "They're gonna see roads that are not repaired, and the governor says that's a record of accomplishment from last year that he wants to build upon."
