I didn’t have anything scheduled today but was busy. There is always plenty to do in this job and I try to get everything done that I can each day. I am going out of town with Charlotte for the weekend so I’ve got to get caught up before I leave. I did a couple of interviews today, one concerned the news that the state’s revenues were coming in under projections. I didn’t see this report but it is consistent with where we were in early July and some of the statements that were made at that time about how far we could be in the red by the end of the fiscal year. With the shortfalls seen in various other states and the economy trending the way it has been, this was not the year to increase spending in Harrisburg. People are already talking about raising taxes next year. The stage will be set to take more from families and businesses in an economic downturn, just when they can afford it the least. Tightening our fiscal belt will be secondary and “investments” in new programs to help Pennsylvanians will proceed despite a lack of funds. I hope these phrases are not woven into news stories in July ‘09.

- John

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