Man gunned down in Philadelphia, 28 shell casings at scene

New continuing education rules set for Pennsylvania judges

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — The Republican leader in the Pennsylvania House says lean budget times may require restructuring of state government in the coming year, changes that could affect schools, human services, prisons and even the Legislature's own operations. Majority Leader Dave Reed told reporters Wednesday that the alternative may be much higher income or sales taxes, which he says Republicans would oppose. The state is facing a massive budget deficit. Reed is questioning whether state government needs all of its current agencies, and whether consolidation can save money, in part by reducing top-end staff. Reed says Republicans might write their own budget in the coming months, after two years in which Republican-passed budgets have become law without the signature of Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf.

GOP: State government overhaul may be way to avert tax hikes