Taxpayers and lawmakers joined together for the annual Pennsylvania State Capitol Taxpayers Protest Tuesday in Harrisburg. Speaking at the event were representatives of more than 10 taxpayer groups who spoke in opposition to the budget plan put forth by the Rendell Administration to increase state spending by more than $1 billion and boost taxes to cover skyrocketing state deficits. Rep. Mike Reese (R-Westmoreland) said he supports the call by taxpayer groups to hold the line on spending in this year’s budget. Mike Davies Reports - Story and Bite available.

Questions about the Rendell administration’s plans for spending federal stimulus money in Pennsylvania have led House Republican lawmakers to introduce a package of bills to ensure there will be adequate oversight and accountability in deciding how the billions of taxpayer dollars will be spent. Rep. Mike Reese (R-Westmoreland, Fayette) said that oversight of the stimulus spending will prevent Pennsylvania’s economy from worsening when the federal funds run out. Chuck Nichols Reports - Story and Bite available.