by J. Wesley Leckrone

Associate Professor of Political Science, Widener University

I wouldn’t hold out much hope of any of the big three items on Governor Corbett’s agenda being passed this year (transportation, liquor privatization and pension reform).  If there is hope on anything it would be the transportation funding bill. That’s been a high profile issue that resonates with voters especially with the weight limits imposed on some bridges. It can also be seen as a jobs creation bill. However, I don’t see the conservative wing of the House GOP agreeing to Governor Corbett’s plan for uncapping the wholesale gas tax going into an election year. I also think that the same group of legislators will become increasingly opposed to anything that Corbett wants because of his plan to extend health benefits.