State Capitol Roundup

Here's the latest State Capitol Roundup courtesy of state Rep. Bob Mensch (R-147th):

Continued Tax Revenue Shortfalls Point to Worsening Budget Deficit

For the seventh consecutive month, Pennsylvania's General Fund revenue collections have failed to live up to initial projections. The shortfall for November totaled $93 million, bringing the year-to-date deficit to $657.9 million. House Republicans are pointing to these figures as the latest evidence that state spending has grown to unsustainable levels, while highlighting internal measures undertaken in the last 5 years to trim caucus expenditures. Better use of existing staff, policy and procedural audits as well as the increased use of cutting edge technology have helped to "cut the fat," and resulted in approximately $20 million in savings to taxpayers since 2004. According to the governor, the state's budget deficit could reach at least $2 billion, leading GOP lawmakers to call for cuts to under-performing state programs instead of burdensome and harmful tax increases.

Legislation Aims for Stronger Veteran Presence on Civil Service Commission

House Republican proposals to ensure Pennsylvania veterans receive appropriate consideration for civil service jobs are receiving renewed interest following a recent report by the Auditor General. Reps. Russ Fairchild (R-Snyder/Union) and Ron Marsico (R-Dauphin) have both authored legislation to give veterans a louder voice on the State Civil Service Commission. The Fairchild measure would create an Office of Veteran Advocate to represent veterans, while Marsico's proposal would require at least one veteran to serve on the commission. The report highlighted an 18 percent unemployment rate for veterans returning from service and showed that as many as 569 civil service employment positions were filled without considering eligible, qualified veterans. With the legislative session complete, Fairchild and Marsico have pledged to re-introduce their bills in January.

Property Tax/Rent Rebate Deadline Draws Closer

The Dec. 31 deadline to file applications for the Department of Revenue's Property Tax/Rent Rebate (PTRR) program is quickly approaching. Officials from the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue have indicated more than 500,000 Pennsylvanians have received rebates this year and expect that an additional 140,000 eligible residents throughout the Commonwealth have yet to apply. PTRR participants can receive a rebate of up to $650 based on their rent or property taxes paid in 2007. The program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians who are 65 years or older, widows and widowers 50 years or older, and those 18 years or older with disabilities. For additional information, visit Mensch's Web site at RepMensch.com