Proposed Federal Budget Would Contribute $50 Million For Democratic National Convention
By Pat Loeb
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- After getting stuck with an $8 million bill for the Pope's visit, Philadelphia taxpayers may be happy to learn there is $50 million for the Democratic National Convention in next year's federal budget, scheduled for a vote Friday.
The money would pay for the extra security required, by law, for a gathering that includes federal officials.
Congressman Bob Brady doesn't want to overpromise, as the Nutter administration did when it said the World Meeting of Families would cover the city's costs, but he says it should cover all the costs.
"The capitol police with the sergeant at arms, secret service. It covers all their overtime. I don't know what our Philadelphia police department will have as far as overtime."
Police racked up $8 million in overtime for the pope's visit, $3 million of which is reimbursable by the World Meeting. The convention host committee, meanwhile, has pledged $85 million to cover other convention expenses. It says it's raised more than $50 million so far.