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AdultBasic has ended for about 40,000 Pennsylvanians. The tax credit for movies, on the other hand, has survived cuts from the Governor’s office. A NYT piece on Marcellus wastewater is generating strong responses from all sides.

Former Rendell procurement czar David Yarkin has an op-ed in today’s New York Times explaining that states with budget problems (every state) can save money by buying in bulk. Rather than split up state agency purchasing power, he argues, states should use their size to its full advantage.

Interest groups continue the air war over various budget cuts, with Conservation Voters slamming Reps. Altmire and Barletta for limiting EPA regs re: mercury pollution. It’s a rough morning for Altmire over all, as Chairman Jim Burn told Roll Call that he expects the Congressman to face a primary challenge (if he even has a district in 2012).

And for today’s fun feature. York, PA has its share of trouble. But as Mike Argento writes in a hilarious Daily Record column on the two cities’ African-American female mayors, at least they aren’t Harrisburg.

Good morning politicos, welcome to March and welcome to the buzz.

PoliticsPA Reports

Toomey in his wheelhouse with Debt Op-Ed to Inky
Senator Pat Toomey stayed in his wheelhouse this weekend with an op-ed to the Philadelphia Inquirer about the dangers of debt.

Conservation Voters Air Hard-Hitting Ads Against Altmire, Barletta w/Video
CVPA and LCV are hitting U.S. Reps. Jason Altmire (D-Allegheny) and Lou Barletta (R-Luzerne) for their votes in favor of an amendment to the House spending bill that limits EPA enforcement of a variety of regulations, including mercury pollution.

Fox Philadelphia: Two Cabinet Official Attend Philly Summit
The U.S. secretaries of Education and Labor visited Philadelphia to promote collaborations that will help adult learners join the work force as well as obtain college degrees.

Joe Sestak’s New Press Bio: Bigger, Longer, Uncut
Former Congressman and Senate candidate Joe Sestak is famous for his prolific and detailed press releases, each capped off by a lengthy bio statement. Now Sestak is back with a new bio statement to show for his 2010 experience, and it comes in first place with 259 words to 238.

Boeing’s DOD Contract a Win for Pa., Labor?
Pennsylvania and labor both stand to benefit from Boeing’s new contract with the DOD.

Headlines
Roll Call: Chairman Burn say Altmire may face a 2012 primary opponent (if he even has a district!)
Fox Philadelphia: Pa. Low-Income Health Plan Nearly Done
Patriot-News: Former Pa. DEP Chief says questions about frack-water contamination raised by NY Times requires testing of drinking water
Morning Call: Reps. Barletta, Dent, Fitzpatrick split budget votes between Dems, GOP
Post-Gazette: State Budget Head Warns of Sharp Cuts in New Spending Plan
Tribune-Review: Orie takes the stand to defend against corruption charges
York Daily News: Local public broadcasting station owners weigh in on proposed funding slash
Delaware County Times: Multiple choice question: School voucher plan garnering praise and criticism in Pa. Senate
Patriot-News: Carlisle Lawyer Jim Flower Jr. Makes County Judge Candidacy Official
Patriot-News: Pa. State Lawmaker proposes changes to teen driving law
Inquirer: Gov. Corbett appoints six to DRPA board; appoints himself chairman
Post-Gazette: Attempt to reduce drink tax stalls in Allegheny County committee
PhillyClout: Queena Bass to run write-in campaign for mayor
Early Returns: Endorsement battles in Allegheny County Executive Race
Patriot-News: Share the pain, Harrisburg Residents tell Act 47 team
Times-News: Abbott seeks nomination for Crawford County Register of Wills
Citizens’ Voice: Finances consume Barletta’s first weeks in Congress
Fox Philadelphia: HUD Could Force PHA Board’s Hand
Newsworks: Mayor Nutter staying out of PHA fight for now
Philadelphia Daily News: Union-busting brothers heading our way
Philadelphia Daily News: Council eyes bill for paid sick leave
Post-Gazette: Pittsburgh URA awarded $35 million in development tax credits
Post-Gazette: Top Dem seeks EPA studies on possible toxic shale wastewater
Patriot News: Outside the house of Pennsylvania’s governor, advocates protest demise of adultBasic health insurance program.
Heard in City Hall: A taxpayer-funded bash for the grand-opening of the Philly Convention Center? State Sen. Pileggi says no

Opinions
David Yarkin, New York Times: The former Rendell procurement czar has advice every state with a budget deficit: buy in bulk.
John Baer, Daily News: Best solutions to unions, budget cuts – ‘no affiliation’
Times-Tribune Editorial: Public sector no longer own the universe
Altoona Mirror Editorial: Rising gas prices will deflate confidence
Post-Gazette Editorial: Mixed bag: Obama chooses not to defend the marriage law
Times-Tribune Editorial: Public sector no longer own universe
Patriot-News Editorial: We’re still waiting for Pa. transportation funding solution
Daily News Editorial: “Entitlement reform” fact and fiction
Michael Smerconish, Inquirer: Head Strong: Legalizing prostitution squares with conservatism
Mike Argento, York Daily News: It could be worse: We could have Harrisburg’s mayor