Pa. GOP Unveils Budget, Restoring Some Of Corbett's Cuts

HARRISBURG, Pa. (CBS) - Pennsylvania House Republicans have rolled out their budget proposal, which would restore some of the steep education cuts proposed by Governor Corbett.

Republicans who control the House are proposing to increase funding by $210 million for public schools and $387 million for higher education over what Governor Corbett has proposed. Much of that funding would come out of the Department of Welfare. The House Republicans are budgeting for welfare savings through reduced errors and fraud. The governor has said he believes savings can be found in welfare spending but is reluctant to balance the budget on them.

Corbett spokesman Kevin Harley says, "Well, the governor wants to see where those savings are. So if they can demonstrate to him that they think these savings are obtainable, he's certainly willing to listen. But they're going to have to show him the facts."

Harley says the governor is pleased that the House GOP does not, in total, want to spend more than Corbett has proposed, putting the half billion dollar surplus in the current budget in reserve.

Reported by Harrisburg Bureau Chief Tony Romeo, KYW Newsradio 1060