Radio Smart Talk: State budget wish list

Radio Smart Talk for Tuesday, February 5:

It’s that time of year again: Governor Corbett is set to unveil his budget proposal.  Advocacy groups, state lawmakers, and local officials have already been urging the Governor to increase spending in some areas or make changes to the way certain programs are funded.  But Corbett's announcement will shed real light on just what the Governor’s biggest priorities are, and set the tone for budget negotiations in the weeks and months ahead.

Corbett has already said he’ll keep funding leveled for state-owned colleges and universities as long as they can keep tuition increases down.  He’s also expected to address transportation funding, the state’s pension system, and the possibility of Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act.  And many will be watching to see whether or not he’ll hold the line on taxes, as he did in last year’s $27.7 billion budget.

On Radio Smart Talk, we’ll hear from several industries, including transportation, mental health care, and private business, about what they’d like to see included in Governor Corbett’s address as part of their budget wish list.

Listen to the program:

Sue Walther, executive director of the Mental Health Association in Pennsylvania, shares her hopes for Governor Corbett's budget address.