Good afternoon, everyone.
As we type these words, the state Senate is debating the $28.37 billion general fund bill for the fiscal year that starts at 12:01 a.m. on Monday. The chamber is also set to vote on the enabling legislation that actually gives the state the authority to spend the money set out in the general fund bill.
State House Republicans, meanwhile, remained deep in caucus. And Corbett administration officials, including Budget Secretary Charles Zogby and Gov. Tom Corbett himself are still trying to untangle the legislative knots on the spending plan.
As of 3:39 p.m., here's some other stuff to know:
Transportation Funding: Still at a standstill. House Democrats who have stymied progress on the bill for the last 24 hours haven't dropped their opposition to what they say is a paucity of funding for mass-transit agencies.
Philly Schools: Corbett administration officials say there's no linkage between more money for city schools and Democratic opposition to the transportation bill. Though one suspects that's a major club in discussions.
Liquor Privatization: These aren't the 'droids you're looking for. Move along. Move along. The Senate has yet to vote on a bill.
Medicaid Expansion: Ditto.
Lottery Privatization: The state's wait-and-see with U.K.-based Camelot Group expires at midnight tonight. Corbettistas are likely to seek an extension, though they're not officially saying yet.