Compiled by David Grim, Contributing Writer

With the deadline just over a week away, budget negotiations are heating up in Harrisburg. Democrats and Republicans have been debating budget shortfalls, surpluses and revenue sources in an attempt to satisfy their specific policy platforms. Governor Corbett promised to deliver a budget on time this year, will Pennsylvania hold the Governor and the legislature to his promise?

Here are the biggest headlines from the past day.

Pittsburgh Post Gazette: Corbett warns lawmakers not to exceed his budget limit

According to the Post-Gazette, if the state legislature sends Governor Corbett a budget that exceeds his $27.3 billion proposal, he has promised that budget negotiations will surpass the June 30th deadline. “We will get a budget done on time as long as they don’t want to spend more money than I do,” Mr. Corbett explained to township commissioners in Lancaster county. “If they come in with $27.35 [billion], then we’ll be there until July 1 or 2 or 3 or 4.”

While answering questions regarding budget proposals, Governor Corbett was asked if he would veto a natural gas drilling severance tax in Pennsylvania, the Governor answered, “I would certainly lean that way right now.”

State House Sound Bites: Impact fee momentum picking up

One of the central debates regarding this summer’s budget negotiations revolves around the creation of a natural gas severance tax. Historically staunch opponents to the measure, state Republicans have begun to accept the inevitability of a severance tax. Bucks County Republican Marguerite Quinn introduced House Bill 1700, which would place a $50,000 fee on every Marcellus well in Pennsylvania.

Philadelphia Inquirer: Budget ceiling more vital than deadline, Corbett says

With Senate negotiations still underway, Republicans are striving to pass a budget proposal by the June 30th deadline. However, the Senate is also tasked with creating a solution to tackle the $4 billion revenue shortfall.

PA Independent: Revenue surplus at center of Pennsylvania budget debate

The reported surplus in Harrisburg has created a heated debate throughout Pennsylvania.
Erik Arneson, spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi, R-Chester, stated,
“Our caucus believes a portion of the surplus can be used in a sustainable, fiscally responsible way to reduce the impact of proposed budget cuts.” However, Mr. Arneson would not elaborate on specifically how the surplus could be spent.

On the other hand, state Democrats have expressed their desire to spend the entire surplus, including an additional $1 billion. Democratic Appropriations Committee Chairman Joe Markosek, D-Allegheny, stated, “We don’t have (an exact) number; we know it’s close to a billion. We could even go as high as $1.2” billion.”

Capitol Ideas: PennDOT Secretary Schoch: “We’ve Been Swimming Upstream For A Long Time.” On Paying For Highway Repairs.

During a Capitol Ideas interview, Secretary of Transportation Barry Shoch discusses potential gas taxes and other revenue creating options. With current budget negotiations becoming increasingly nearer to the budget deadline, with inevitable cuts, state departments are focusing on avenues to expand revenue and decrease expenses.

Capitolwire: A status update on state budget negotiations.

Representatives for Governor Corbett and legislative leaders are finalizing a proposed $27.149 billion state budget to be presented to lawmakers this week, and voted upon by the end of this week, administration and legislative sources confirmed.