Good morning politicos, it’s BUDGET DAY! Here’s the Buzz.

Corbett Starts 2013 with $3.5M on Hand: Gov. Tom Corbett is off to healthy start for the 2014 cycle. The first term Republican had $3.53 million in his campaign accounts at the end of 2012.

Leach Makes Push for Marijuana Legalization: Leach, eye on potential LG bid, adds marijuana legalization to his cadre of causes.

Politically Uncorrected: Corbett Crossing the Rubicon: In this week’s column, Madonna and Young examine the challenges facing Governor Corbett as he approaches his run for re-election.

PA Scores A- For Government Transparency: The Sunshine Review has released its 2013 Transparency Report Card, and it appears Pennsylvania passed.

Harrisburg Councilman Koplinski Launches LG Bid: Harrisburg City Councilman Brad Koplinski is the first Democratic candidate for Lieutenant Governor.

Statewide
PA Independent: Number crunchers offer different state budget deficit estimates
PA Independent: State DPW secretary to step down; return to Rhode Island for good
PA Independent: House committee approves performance-based budgeting, excludes General Assembly
State House Sound Bites: Legislators urge final decision on Obamacare-mandated Medicaid expansion
State House Sound Bites: Former federal prosecutor to head investigation of Sandusky case
Capitolwire: Electoral College reform on backburner after bad week in Florida, Virginia

Philadelphia
WHYY Newsworks: Corbett expected to present plan for pension changes in budget address
WHYY Newsworks: 6 quotes from U.S. Rep. Chaka Fattah’s ‘coffee chat’ in Germantown
KYW Newsradio: Nutter Launches New Effort to Track Down Property Tax Deadbeats
Philadelphia Inquirer: Corbett’s welfare secretary leaving
Philadelphia Inquirer: Tentative pact for PA state college faculty
Philly Deals: Would be-Pa. Gov: Cut wages, pensions, taxes to boost prosperity
Philly Clout: Nutter to tax deadbeats: “We’re going to chase their little a–es down”
Philly Clout: No more “Bulldogging” people on Brett Mandel’s budget web site
PhillyNow: Pennsylvania Congressman Compares Gun Control to Banning Spoons
Daily News: John Baer: Corbett a shoo-in to win the unpopular vote
Daily News: Battling Booze and Lottery Changes
Commonwealth Confidential: Kane names ex-federal prosecutor to review Sandusky probe

SEPA
Pottstown Mercury: Pa. sells new license plates to honor veterans
Pottstown Mercury: Pa. House votes to require owners of seized animals to pay for their care
phillyburbs.com: Bucks court official fired over fake subpoenas
phillyburbs.com: AG Kane names special Sandusky investigator
phillyburbs.com: Lawmakers troubled by reports of Medicare fraud
Delco Daily Times: County legislator aims to close budget shortfall for 911 center
Delco Daily Times: U.S. Sen. Bob Casey rules out run for Pennsylvania governor (With Video
Delco Daily Times: Connecticut shooting changed Casey’s mind
Bucks Local News: Newtown Borough Council to hear Steeple View presentation
Daily Local News: Lincoln University cuts hours, outsources jobs
Daily Local News: Board awards bids for East Bradford work

Pittsburgh
Tribune Review: Corbett proposes steady funding for state-run and related universities
Tribune Review: AG Kathleen Kane appoints special Sandusky investigator
Tribune Review: Melvin’s former aide resumes testimony; judge rejects mistrial
Tribune Review: Rendell backs Corbett’s gas tax plan
Tribune Review: Beer sellers: Proposal to privatize wine, liquor sales opens new can of worries
Post-Gazette:  Pennsylvania AG names former prosecutor to review Sandusky case
Early Returns: Kasich, Corbett & Medicaid
Early Returns: Castor reacts ahead of budget speech
Early Returns: 15 Dems vie for A.C. judge
KDKA: Previewing Gov. Corbett’s Budget Proposal
KDKA: Corbett To Unveil Plan To Privatize State Liquor Sales

Southwest
AP: Committee to vote tonight on faculty deal
Altoona Mirror: Jaffa Shrine outdoor show standing firm
Beaver County Times: Corbett to propose level funding for state’s universities
Beaver County Times: Corbett may wait on decision on Medicaid expansion

NEPA
The Times Leader: State of the river focus of debate
The Times Leader: State treasury has trove for Valentine gift seekers
The Times Leader: Plan for treasurer to handle taxes proposed JENNIFER LEARN-ANDES REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK
Times-Tribune: Pa. sells new license plates to honor veterans
News Item: New education block grant is Corbett goal
Standard Speaker: Schuylkill County Prison hires sixth lieutenant
Standard Speaker: Workers move land for Rails-to-Trails bridge preparation
Pocono Record: Committee OKs East Stroudsburg University union contract

Lehigh Valley
AP: Attorney General Kathleen Kane appoints special deputy to oversee inquiry into handling of Jerry Sandusky case
AP: Pennsylvania state-owned universities union committee to vote on faculty contract
The Morning Call: Failing Allentown, Bethlehem schools place on voucher list
The Morning Call: Some casinos broke their revenue promises
The Morning Call: State attorney general names special prosecutor to review Tom Corbett’s handling of Jerry Sandusky case
The Morning Call: Despite uncertainty, two candidates announce bids for Northampton County judge
Reading Eagle: City has tossed 98 from health plan
Reading Eagle: Tax collectors shocked at 95% pay cut
Reading Eagle: State system, faculty near agreement
WFMZ: Protesters call on Corbett to close corporate tax loopholes
WFMZ: Pa.’s Congressional delegates: FAA should give Pa. fair consideration for air traffic control facility
WFMZ: Attorney Pat Barrett announces candidacy for Berks judge
WFMZ: Harrisburg councilman Brad Koplinksi plans to run for lieutenant gov.
Express-Times: Joe Brennan moving to work release facility; plans for Harrisburg job unclear

South Central
Harrisburg Patriot News: What we know about Gov. Tom Corbett’s 2013-2014 budget proposal
Harrisburg Patriot News: Welfare Secretary Gary Alexander reported to be leaving his Cabinet post
Harrisburg Patriot News: Republican House members urge Gov. Corbett to reject Medicaid expansion called for in Obamacare
Harrisburg Patriot News: Attorney General Kane’s Sandusky deputy seen as fair, balanced
Harrisburg Patriot News: Cumberland County upgrades finance director’s job, but official questions need for pay increase
York Daily Record: York City Council President to run for mayor

North by Northwest
AP: Pennsylvania sells new license plates to honor veterans
AP: Tentative Pa. university faculty pact awaits votes
AP: Central Pa. council member to run for lt. governor
AP: Corbett may wait on decision on Medicaid expansion

Opinions
Observer-Reporter: Drilling, fracking not safe
Reading Eagle: Some Republicans back overhaul to attract Latinos

Blogs
Keystone Politics: House Transportation Chairman Bill Shuster (R-Blair) won’t rule out gas tax increase
Keystone Politics: Rendell backs Corbett’s gas tax hike