Posted on Thu, Nov. 5, 2009
Talks continued in Harrisburg yesterday among Gov. Rendell and legislative leaders over proposals to add table games to the state's slot-machine casinos. Rendell told House and Senate leaders "to begin face-to-face negotiations and get it done," said his spokesman, Gary Tuma.
The main sticking point has been how much to tax the games. Rendell has pushed for 16 percent, which would generate a projected $200 million this fiscal year to help balance the budget. Proposals in the legislature have ranged from 14 percent to 34 percent.
At Rendell's insistence, $730 million in funding for museums, hospitals, and "state-related" colleges is being held up until this final budgetary dispute is resolved. - Suzette Parmley
today's 
