Radio Smart Talk: Fiscal cliff and PA waterways; housing

Radio Smart Talk for Monday, December 3:

We've heard it many times over the last few weeks -- if Congress doesn't reach a budget agreement by the end of December, the nation could go over a so-called "fiscal cliff" that would result in higher taxes and automatic spending cuts.  Many believe that would throw the country back into a recession.

Those are the headlines.  Thousands of programs touched by the federal government could be impacted.

For example, funding for programs administered by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission that provides resources for the state's rivers and streams would be in jeopardy if a budget deal isn't reached in Washington.

On Monday's Radio Smart Talk, The Fish and Boat Commission's Director of Policy and Planning Timothy Schaeffer and Deputy Director of Administration Brian Barner will explain what the fiscal cliff could mean for Pennsylvania's waterways, anglers, and aquatic wildlife.

Also, Kate Newton of the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency will join us to discuss housing, with an emphasis on first-time home buyers.  Is the market improving?  Has the economic downturn scared homebuyers away?  We'll find out Monday.

Listen to the program:

Timothy Schaeffer, director of Policy and Planning at the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, talks about how the fiscal cliff would affect the agency's finances. 

Brian Barner, deputy director of Administration at the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, talks about revenue gathered from fishing licenses. 

Kate Newton, with the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, discusses the type of market first-time home buyers are encountering.