By nightfall the GOP-controlled Senate was passing the general fund bill on a 30-20 party-line vote over Democrats' objections that it preserved tax breaks for corporations while cutting school aid and decimating vital state-funded programs for the poor, children, and the environment.
The House, where Republicans also rule, could vote as early as Wednesday.
"Hold the line on taxes, hold the line on spending - that's what we're doing," said Corbett, speaking at an afternoon bill signing in the Capitol Rotunda.
But at the same event, the Republican governor reiterated his vow to veto any legislation to tax Marcellus Shale natural-gas drilling.
Corbett also said he still wanted legislators to deliver a bill that deals with the likely impact of state school-aid cuts on Pennsylvania's taxpayers. Those planned cuts have already triggered layoffs and other austerity measures by school districts that rely on property taxes and are facing budget crises of their own. The bill Corbett wants would mandate that any property-tax increases over the inflation rate get voter approval.
Finally, Corbett reiterated his pledge not to act on any natural-gas legislation until he can review recommendations by his Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission in a report due next month.
"I am looking for that report, including what the impact is," he said after signing the "Fair Share Act," which will limit a defendant's payout obligations in liability lawsuits. As for any legislation that arrives before the shale commission's report and calls for a tax or fee on gas drillers, Corbett said, "I have sent the message: If something gets to my desk, it will be vetoed."
