NO SPECIAL SESSION FOR SEPTA

Gov. Edward G. Rendell (D-Pa./Comcast SportsNet) announced earlier today that he would not call a special session of the legislature to deal with funding issues for SEPTA and other mass transit agencies.

"He's been encouraged by the fact that legislative leaders realize that mass transit is a crisis that needs to be dealt with sooner rather than later," said Penny Lee (Rendell spokesperson - ed.).

Republicans said the time is quickly approaching when the threat of a special session stops working as a stick to encourage action.

"At this point, calling a special session would be nothing but a public relations gambit. Regular session begins on Jan. 24, and even by the governor's timeline we have until late February to act," said Erik Arneson, chief of staff for Senate Majority Leader David J. Brightbill (R., Lebanon). Inquirer

Duh...

Meanwhile, KYW reported that Rendell realized that a lot of GOP lawmakers would be in Washington for the inauguration of President Bush.