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New State Budget Could Be Weeks Away

Posted: 12:54 pm EDT September 21, 2009Updated: 2:55 pm EDT September 21, 2009

State officials said a final budget version should be approved and signed in the coming weeks.

Lawmakers and Gov. Ed Rendell must still approve the budget before it becomes official. The state is the last in the country to complete a budget.

Some local politicians said they are bracing for political fallout from the 80-day ordeal. All 203 House seats and half of the 50-member Senate will be up for election in 2010. Two senators are from the Alleghenies, Richard Kasunic and John Eichelberger.

In 2005, there was a huge backlash after legislators passed a pay raise, and several legislators were voted out during the next election.

State Republican Chair Robert Gleason said he doesn't think people will base their vote on the budget impasse and said voters are more concerned about national issues like health care reform.

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