Rendell and lawmakers can't afford late budget

G. TERRY MADONNA and MICHAEL YOUNG There are few governmental events more widely reported in Pennsylvania than the annual budget war. The dollar amounts are astronomic -- state government expends more than $50 billion. The budget negotiations are secretive proceedings, and the stakes, both policy and personal, are enormous. Political careers and reputations rest on budget outcomes. This year's annual budget melodrama comes complete with an exciting plot complication, and many fear that the new budget is going to be late. But, we're not so sure.The 2007 fiscal year begins on July 1. Guessing when the budget might finally be passed has become a serious Harrisburg pastime. Seasoned observers estimate it might be as late as the Christmas holidays. A protracted stalemate conjures up nightmares. Thousands of workers would be laid off. The funding for state programs would be halted. Education dollars would be held up, and public confidence in state government would plummet. Yet, many now consider this scenario likely, if not inevitable. Read the rest of the story here.