HARRISBURG -- The Legislature returned to Harrisburg Monday in an early attempt to hash out an agreement that would resolve a budget crisis that has school districts across the state wondering what type of funding they'll receive from the state next year. The General Assembly originally had planned to reconvene later this month.

But by Wednesday there was little movement on any of Gov. Ed Rendell's initiatives.

Democratic state Rep. Mike Sturla, one of Rendell's most vocal supporters, said the impasse is likely to continue.

"I think this is a deliberate attempt to delay the process," said Democratic state Rep. Mike Sturla of Lancaster. "We're mired in mediocrity."

Rendell is open to new ideas on how to improve the education funding system, Sturla said, but he won't settle for the status quo.

"I've heard Republicans talking aboutgiving school districts 2.8 percent over what they got last year and calling it a compromise," Sturla said. "But the governor isn't going to go for that. He wants a structural change to the system that provides a better way to fund education."

Last session, the Senate approved a measure that would have allowed slot machines at state racetracks as a way to fund education, property tax reform and economic development. In the House, the bill was scrapped and an expanded version was approved and sent to the Senate. Senate Majority Leader David J. "Chip" Brightbill buried it in committee almost as soon as it arrived.

Earlier this week, Sen. Robert M. Tomlinson reintroduced the Senate version, but Sturla said he wouldn't vote for the bill as it is because it contains too much red tape.

"It's economic development by committee and that doesn't work," Sturla said. "No business leaders in the state would want to have every decision they make approved by a board of directors first."

State Sen. Gib E. Armstrong, a Refton Republican who is one of slots' most vocal opponents, said Rendell wants too much too soon.

"There are three major bills and the governor wants all of it," Armstrong said. "He won't settle for taking them one at a time. He wants them all at one shot."

Unlike medical malpractice reforms, education funding is not at a critical level, Armstrong said.

"It is not something we have to do right now," he said. "It isn't the crisis we thought we had several months ago. Revenues are coming in higher than expected, and we can get by on what we've got until we reach an agreement."

Armstrong said he expects there will be some "secondary" tax increases, like an alcohol tax or a tax on cell phone usage.

"I don't think we'll see a major income tax increase at all," he said. "We don't have to raise all these taxes now."

As for slots, Armstrong said there are a few key GOP senators who voted to support adding slots at a few racetracks. But he said they won't go any further.

"And slots are tied in with education, property tax reform and economic development," Armstrong said. "There's a long road ahead."

If Republicans continue to refuse to negotiate, Sturla said he wouldn't be surprised to see Rendell campaign against embattled Republicans in their own districts.

"The governor doesn't need to campaign for himself next year," Sturla said. "But if he's not getting the help he needs, I wouldn't be surprised to see him out campaigning for people who will help him get the job done."

Armstrong said Republicans are expecting Rendell to campaign against them next year.

"To some degree, we expected (former Gov. Tom) Ridge to do that for us," Armstrong said. "If we have a tough race, we'll bring in (President) Bush if it means control of the House or Senate."

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