I’m back in Harrisburg.  We got more done on the calendar today than we have for a long time.  I hope that this is a sign to come.  We got word today that Congressman Jack Murtha died.  I’m sure that this is a well known fact back home since he is from our area.  People here know of him, but most did not know him or deal with him directly.  I met him a couple of times, but wouldn’t say that I knew him.  My condolences go out to his family and friends.  Tomorrow is the Governor’s Budget Address.  His promise to provide some information about the speech did not help.  To date, we have little to go on, mostly press speculation.  I’m sure that he will ask for increased education funding and taxes on Marcellus Shale.  Rumor has it that he wants a $1 Billion increase over last year’s budget and will entertain just about any tax to get there.  If you watch the address on PCN at about 10:30, I’ll be the quiet one to the right on the floor.  I don’t think that I’ll be clapping much.

- John