House, Senate Return Monday As Gov. Wolf Works On Budget

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HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Pennsylvania's deficit-riddled finances are entering new territory, as Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf tries to balance the budget without involvement from a Republican-controlled Legislature.

The House and Senate return to session Monday while Wolf works on a $2.2 billion budget-balancing strategy that relies heavily on borrowing.

Lawmakers otherwise haven't sorted out a way to finance a $32 billion budget bill they passed June 30. They were pursuing a plan relying primarily on borrowing, siphoning cash from off-budget programs and authorizing more casino-style gambling, but efforts stalled when the House balked at raising taxes.

Republican Bucks County Rep. Gene DiGirolamo says he's working on a compromise measure to impose a tax on Marcellus Shale natural gas production, despite opposition from House Republican leaders.

The tax is a top Wolf priority.

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