Good morning Lehigh Valley on this rainy Monday. It's already July... hard to believe!
Last night, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett passed the 2013-14 budget of $28.3 billion, but action has stalled on a liquor privatization bill, pension reform, and a transportation funding bill.
The House was unable to pass the legislation that called for roughly $2 billion in transportation funding, and that may have to wait until the fall for approval.
Further votes on Pennsylvania's liquor privatization bill will likely have to wait until the fall as well. "Early Saturday morning, the Senate Republican majority won a key, preliminary vote on a measure that would allow retail beer distributors to sell liquor and wine and permit certain other stores to sell wine."
The Allentown School District got a $9.6 million increase in funding, part of the legislature's $123 million in increased funding for schools.
A bill to possibly extend Medicaid eligibility to Pennsylvanians under the 2010 federal health-care law also passed the Senate, but house leaders insist they will not allow a vote on it.
For more budget coverage, make sure to follow the below links.
Express Times coverage
The Morning Call coverage
WFMZ coverage
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Showing posts with label budget. Show all posts
Showing posts with label budget. Show all posts
Monday, July 1, 2013
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Business News in the Lehigh Valley, 2/12/13
Good morning Lehigh Valley, and Happy Fastnacht Day!
In recent business news, Governor Corbett announced his 2013-2014 budget plan last week, the details of which can be found here. The proposed plan includes "removing the oil company franchise cap, decreasing the flat gas tax from 12 cents to 10 cents, revamping the pension system for new government workers and repealing the corporate loans tax."
Pennsylvania's Department of Environmental Protection recently awarded $18 million in grants to 131 municipalities and counties for developing and implementing recycling programs. Through the program, these municipalities are eligible for up to 90 percent funding of approved recycling program costs.
The first ever Lehigh Valley Beer Week kicked off yesterday with a ribbon cutting celebration at Allentown Brew Works. Dozens of regional bars and restaurants will be participating in this celebration of beer, with various events held throughout the week. Check out lehighvalleybeerweek.com for the full schedule of activities.
In world news, the Pope announced he would step down from his position at the end of the month, citing his declining strength as the reason for his departure from the position. A papal resignation has not happened for nearly 600 years.
That's all for now, hope everyone has a great 'Fat Tuesday!'
Article any source
In recent business news, Governor Corbett announced his 2013-2014 budget plan last week, the details of which can be found here. The proposed plan includes "removing the oil company franchise cap, decreasing the flat gas tax from 12 cents to 10 cents, revamping the pension system for new government workers and repealing the corporate loans tax."
Pennsylvania's Department of Environmental Protection recently awarded $18 million in grants to 131 municipalities and counties for developing and implementing recycling programs. Through the program, these municipalities are eligible for up to 90 percent funding of approved recycling program costs.
The first ever Lehigh Valley Beer Week kicked off yesterday with a ribbon cutting celebration at Allentown Brew Works. Dozens of regional bars and restaurants will be participating in this celebration of beer, with various events held throughout the week. Check out lehighvalleybeerweek.com for the full schedule of activities.
In world news, the Pope announced he would step down from his position at the end of the month, citing his declining strength as the reason for his departure from the position. A papal resignation has not happened for nearly 600 years.
That's all for now, hope everyone has a great 'Fat Tuesday!'
Article any source
Friday, December 21, 2012
Today's Business News in the Lehigh Valley, 12/21/12
Good morning, and happy Friday Lehigh Valley! Today is the first day of winter, and luckily for all of us the world has not ended! Today is the first day of the winter season.
Bethlehem's city council adopted a budget of $71 million for 2013, which includes a 7% property tax hike and an entertainment tax on certain concert tickets. Much of the debate around the budget focused on the rising pension costs the city is facing.
Air Products has expanded their operations in China, opening a new lab within its Asia Technology Center in Shanghai. "The advanced gas applications laboratory will further strengthen the center's research and development capabilities to support the increasing needs in China and across Asia, officials said."
Speaker Boehner's "Plan B" to avert the fiscal cliff failed to gather enough Republican support and was taken off the table yesterday. His proposed plan would have extended tax cuts that are set to expire at year's end for most people while allowing rates to increase to 1990 levels on income over $1 million.
Don't forget the Coca-Cola Caravan tomorrow in downtown Bethlehem, right in front of the Main Street Commons building. The truck will be decorated with 25,000 twinkling lights and will be parked on Main St. from 2 - 8 p.m. More information in the flyer below.
Article any source
Bethlehem's city council adopted a budget of $71 million for 2013, which includes a 7% property tax hike and an entertainment tax on certain concert tickets. Much of the debate around the budget focused on the rising pension costs the city is facing.
Air Products has expanded their operations in China, opening a new lab within its Asia Technology Center in Shanghai. "The advanced gas applications laboratory will further strengthen the center's research and development capabilities to support the increasing needs in China and across Asia, officials said."
Speaker Boehner's "Plan B" to avert the fiscal cliff failed to gather enough Republican support and was taken off the table yesterday. His proposed plan would have extended tax cuts that are set to expire at year's end for most people while allowing rates to increase to 1990 levels on income over $1 million.
Don't forget the Coca-Cola Caravan tomorrow in downtown Bethlehem, right in front of the Main Street Commons building. The truck will be decorated with 25,000 twinkling lights and will be parked on Main St. from 2 - 8 p.m. More information in the flyer below.
Article any source
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Today's Business News in the Lehigh Valley, 12/13/12
Good morning and happy Thursday, Lehigh Valley. There are 18 days left to finish up your 2012 resolutions!
Small businesses have found a new way to prosper during the holiday season, not by stiff competition but rather by a method of community cooperation. Business owners in Lehigh Valley have been able to boost their sales through special promotions and events, including Christmas City Village in Bethlehem, Men's Shopping Night in Easton, and other promotions throughout the region.
Easton City Council has approved their 2013 budget, wherein the property taxes will remain the same and drivers will see an increase on the city's parking meters, from 50 cents/hour to $1/hour, which is still relatively low compared to most cities. They will supplement their revenue through other means as well, including the increasing income from their cut of the table games in neighboring Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem.
Nationally, there has been little to no progress regarding the impending fiscal cliff. Vast differences still exist in the way the White House and the Republicans would like to handle the tax increases and budget cuts that once implemented could send the country back into a recession. "If a deal is not reached, taxes will go up for almost all working Americans at the start of the New Year and steep government spending cuts will kick in."
For users who bought the iPhone 5 and miss having the functionality of Google Maps, then worry no more. Google Maps has made its way back into the App Store, this time offering turn-by-turn navigation that was not available on iOS before now.
Have a great, productive Thursday!
Article any source
Small businesses have found a new way to prosper during the holiday season, not by stiff competition but rather by a method of community cooperation. Business owners in Lehigh Valley have been able to boost their sales through special promotions and events, including Christmas City Village in Bethlehem, Men's Shopping Night in Easton, and other promotions throughout the region.
Easton City Council has approved their 2013 budget, wherein the property taxes will remain the same and drivers will see an increase on the city's parking meters, from 50 cents/hour to $1/hour, which is still relatively low compared to most cities. They will supplement their revenue through other means as well, including the increasing income from their cut of the table games in neighboring Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem.
Nationally, there has been little to no progress regarding the impending fiscal cliff. Vast differences still exist in the way the White House and the Republicans would like to handle the tax increases and budget cuts that once implemented could send the country back into a recession. "If a deal is not reached, taxes will go up for almost all working Americans at the start of the New Year and steep government spending cuts will kick in."
For users who bought the iPhone 5 and miss having the functionality of Google Maps, then worry no more. Google Maps has made its way back into the App Store, this time offering turn-by-turn navigation that was not available on iOS before now.
Have a great, productive Thursday!
Article any source
Monday, June 27, 2011
ASHWAUBENON, Wis. — Gov. Scott Walker Signed Budget ; Slashes Funding for Public Schools and the University of Wisconsin System
(AP) ASHWAUBENON, Wis. — Gov. Scott Walker signed his first budget Sunday, a plan that plugs the state's $3 billion shortfall but also slashes funding for public schools and the University of Wisconsin System.
Walker signed the two-year $66 billion budget at a private ceremony at a Green Bay area manufacturing company. The budget passed the Legislature without a single Democratic vote.
It fulfills Walker's campaign pledge to balance the budget without raising taxes. He released just 50 vetoes early Sunday morning, signaling the Republican-controlled Legislature had given him almost everything he wanted when lawmakers revised the document. Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle issued 81 vetoes with the 2009-11 budget, his last before leaving office.
"As a state, we can choose to take the easy road and push off the tough decisions and pass the buck to future generations, or we can step up to the plate and make the tough decisions today," Walker said in prepared remarks. "Our budget chooses to fix our problems now, so that our children and our grandchildren don't face the same challenges we face today.
Democrats argue a $70 million reduction in tax breaks for some who qualify for the federal Earned Income Tax Credit, as well as limits on a homestead exemption for poor homeowners and renters, amounted to tax increases.
Click on the video player below to watch a YouTube post by CBS Affiliate WISC correspondent Jessica Arp, showing protesters outside the location where Walker was privately signing the budget.
But no matter how it's spun, passage of the budget and Walker's signing of it before the new fiscal year starts on July 1 is a significant achievement for Republicans who control both houses of the Legislature.
They worked quickly to approve the budget before recall elections in August that could result in Democrats gaining a majority in the Senate and the power to block Walker and the GOP's agenda.
Democrats assailed the budget as an attack on middle class values since it cuts funding for public schools by $800 million, reduces funding to the UW system by $250 million and cuts tax credits for poor people.
It also reduces the amount schools can collect from property taxes and other revenue combined, which translates into another education cut of about $800 million. While schools are seeing deep cuts, Walker's budget extends tax breaks to manufacturers, multistate corporations and investors.
The budget also calls for $500 million in unspecified cuts to Medicaid programs, puts an enrollment cap on the popular Family Care program and increases spending on the state's roads.
There are no sales or income tax increases and property taxes are held essentially flat over the next two years.
The budget also expands Milwaukee's school voucher program to suburban schools in Milwaukee County and to the city of Racine, ends Doyle's Wisconsin Covenant financial aid program for college-bound students and cuts aid for technical colleges by 30 percent.
Walker signed the two-year $66 billion budget at a private ceremony at a Green Bay area manufacturing company. The budget passed the Legislature without a single Democratic vote.
It fulfills Walker's campaign pledge to balance the budget without raising taxes. He released just 50 vetoes early Sunday morning, signaling the Republican-controlled Legislature had given him almost everything he wanted when lawmakers revised the document. Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle issued 81 vetoes with the 2009-11 budget, his last before leaving office.
"As a state, we can choose to take the easy road and push off the tough decisions and pass the buck to future generations, or we can step up to the plate and make the tough decisions today," Walker said in prepared remarks. "Our budget chooses to fix our problems now, so that our children and our grandchildren don't face the same challenges we face today.
Democrats argue a $70 million reduction in tax breaks for some who qualify for the federal Earned Income Tax Credit, as well as limits on a homestead exemption for poor homeowners and renters, amounted to tax increases.
Click on the video player below to watch a YouTube post by CBS Affiliate WISC correspondent Jessica Arp, showing protesters outside the location where Walker was privately signing the budget.
But no matter how it's spun, passage of the budget and Walker's signing of it before the new fiscal year starts on July 1 is a significant achievement for Republicans who control both houses of the Legislature.
They worked quickly to approve the budget before recall elections in August that could result in Democrats gaining a majority in the Senate and the power to block Walker and the GOP's agenda.
Democrats assailed the budget as an attack on middle class values since it cuts funding for public schools by $800 million, reduces funding to the UW system by $250 million and cuts tax credits for poor people.
It also reduces the amount schools can collect from property taxes and other revenue combined, which translates into another education cut of about $800 million. While schools are seeing deep cuts, Walker's budget extends tax breaks to manufacturers, multistate corporations and investors.
The budget also calls for $500 million in unspecified cuts to Medicaid programs, puts an enrollment cap on the popular Family Care program and increases spending on the state's roads.
There are no sales or income tax increases and property taxes are held essentially flat over the next two years.
The budget also expands Milwaukee's school voucher program to suburban schools in Milwaukee County and to the city of Racine, ends Doyle's Wisconsin Covenant financial aid program for college-bound students and cuts aid for technical colleges by 30 percent.
Article any source
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