Pa. officials hear suggestions on spending tobacco money
07/30/99
With detailed spending plans and some outstretched palms, representatives of local agencies and special-interest groups spent more than four hours yesterday telling members of Gov. Ridge's cabinet how the state should spend its $11.3 billion settlement wi
The hearing at the State Office Building in Philadelphia was part of a road show that began in Harrisburg on Monday and also took state officials to Pittsburgh, and Wilkes-Barre. A hearing will be held today in Erie.
The cabinet is seeking input for a master plan for using the settlement money. The plan, which will need legislative approval, could be released as early as September.
"Hearing people from different parts of the state express themselves differently helps decision-makers balance the needs," said Feather Houstoun, secretary of the Department of Public Welfare.
Cigarettes
