Following a mid-fiscal-year update by Gov. Ed Rendell, Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa reiterated his priorities as the legislature prepares for a new term and what promises to be a difficult budget process next year. 

Costa stressed the need to make wise choices which protect the Commonwealth, especially in light of the reductions which the governor reported have already been made. The first priority in dealing with the looming $4.5 billion deficit must be protecting and creating jobs.

Highlights of the Governor's mid-year report:

• Revenues are slightly above projection through November
  
  
• Pennsylvania is one of the most fiscally stable states in the U.S.
  
  
• Pennsylvania has cut the cost of government by 14 percent since 2003
  
  
• The $28 billion 2010-11 enacted budget is $290 million less than the pre-recession 2008-09 enacted budget
  
  
• Cuts in response to receiving less federal stimulus money resulted in $200 million in savings for the Commonwealth