Pennsylvania Budget Boss Warns Of Sweeping Cuts Ahead

HARRISBURG, Pa. (CBS) - Governor Tom Corbett's budget secretary today prepared Pennsylvania residents for some pain in next week's budget address.

Speaking at a Pennsylvania Press Club luncheon, state budget secretary Charles Zogby (right) avoided details, but in broad strokes painted a grim picture.

"The magnitude of the fiscal challenge that our state faces is perhaps unprecedented -- certainly, I think unprecedented at any time in our recent history," Zogby said. "You probably heard reports of a deficit of around $4 billion. I would not dissuade you of those reports -- they're accurate."

Zogby says the state budget has grown by 37 percent since the 2002-03 fiscal year, while state revenues increased only 25 percent. He says federal stimulus funds, one-time fixes, and "gimmicks" balanced the current budget.

Zogby says his task is to devise a new, balanced budget plan with no new taxes or fees -- and he says a big part of that will include spending cuts.

Reported by Tony Romeo, KYW Newsradio Harrisburg Bureau chief.