BEDFORD - A question-and-answer session among state legislators, Bedford County business leaders and chamber of commerce members began with bad news about this year's state budget.
"It looks like we're off for another unfortunate experience this year," State Sen. John H. Eichelberger Jr., R-Blair, told the audience of about 40 business professionals at Heartland Hall Friday.
The governor's budget and spending seem "unrealistic," Eichelberger said.
Rep. Dick Hess, R-Bedford, also said 2010 was going to be a "very difficult year because we have spent everything we have."
Rep. Carl Walker Metzgar, R-Berlin, said that instead of raising taxes, it is essential to stop wasteful spending, such as on public welfare for non-U.S. citizens.
"I think we need to put our money where our mouth is," Metzgar said.
Tolling Interstate 80 came up several times in questions raised by the audience on note cards read aloud to the legislators.
Hess said funding from tolling the interstate would go toward necessary maintenance of the road and would mean more money from other funding could go toward other state roads.
"We have many problems with Interstate 80," Hess said. "I don't see a decision in the near future, but eventually. Tolling the turnpike works really well."
Eichelberger, meanwhile, said he would be surprised if the federal government gave permission for I-80 to be tolled. He said he believes the tolls would hurt businesses and possibly reduce traffic and tourism in the commonwealth.
Unemployment also was brought up during the session.
Hess said more tax credits for smaller businesses and a continued relationship with groups such as the Bedford County Development Association would help create more jobs.
Other topics included welfare, sales tax, natural gas drilling and reassessment laws.
Bedford County Commissioner Steve Howsare, who was present at the meeting, said he enjoyed hearing what the legislators had to say, although he was disappointed to hear the negative budget news.
"They're going to be harder-pressed this year than they were last year," Howsare said. "We have to brace ourselves."
Howsare said he thinks having two tolled roads in the state would be an "interesting opportunity" that he has supported for some time.
"If we funded [Interstate] 80 better, we'd see money go to other places," Howsare said.
A business breakfast meeting in August will feature U.S. Rep. Bill Shuster, R-9th District.
Mirror Staff Writer Wendy Zook is at 946-7520.
