Gov asks house and senate to support critical measurs

Governor Rendell Asks General Assembly to Support Crucial Measures Needed for Pittsburgh Financial Recovery Plan

Governor Rendell appealed to the Pennsylvania General Assembly to consider and pass legislation needed so that Pittsburgh can avert a budgetary crisis that threatens its economic future, its residents� way of life and its historic position as one of the Commonwealth�s most vital cities.

In a letter (see comments) sent to all senators and representatives, the Governor called a consensus plan developed by the several groups working on the financial situation �tough and realistic.� For the plan to be implemented, the General Assembly needs to enable the city to fill its remaining budget gap by changing the way the city taxes business and individuals.

Another Dr. Francis (sp) Barnes, but this is inbound

HARRISBURG: The Pennsylvania Senate unanimously approved Francis V. Barnes, Ph. D., Tuesday evening. Dr. Barnes was Governor Rendell’s nominee for the Commonwealth's Secretary of Education. Barnes, who now becomes the state's first African American Secretary of Education, will lead the state’s 501 school districts, and implement the Governor’s Block Grant Funding Program that allocates $200 million in the 2004-05 school year for districts to implement research-based programs to boost student achievement such as full-day kindergarten, pre-kindergarten, smaller class sizes, tutoring and English as Second Language programs. He brings a wealth of experience to the position, having served in rural and urban school districts across the Commonwealth.

Check the search engine box for "Frances Barnes."