State News-Tuesday, Feb. 6th

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Governor Ed Rendell is expected to present a budget to state lawmakers today that would increase the state's spending by more than one billion dollars. To finance initiatives in health, energy and property-tax relief, the Democratic governor is expected to call for increases in the state sales and cigarette taxes; a new payroll tax on many employers; and new levies on chewing tobacco, cigars and electricity use. The Democratic governor's agenda is already setting up a likely clash with fiscal conservatives in the Legislature concerned about the new taxes it would require. Republicans control the Senate and are outnumbered by Democrats in the House by a single seat.

YORK, Pa. (AP) - Harley-Davidson isn't saying what will happen today when company officials meet with union leaders representing 28-hundred striking workers from its factory in York. A union spokesman says a federal mediator was instrumental in calling the meeting. The mediator is also scheduled to attend. Workers have been on strike since Friday. They overwhelmingly rejected the company's contract proposal last week. The factory employs more than 32-hundred union and nonunion workers.

NEW YORK (AP) - Prosecutors in Queens, New York, say a Reading man who admitted killing his friend nearly two years ago in a fight over motorcycle parts was sentenced to prison today. Roberto Polanco pleaded guilty last month to first-degree manslaughter in the killing of Edwin Perez inside the victim's Queens apartment. The 25-year-old man was sentenced today to 19 years in prison. Police arrested Polanco in Reading two days after the 2005 killing.

ALTOONA, Pa. (AP) - Authorities in Altoona say they plan to seize several vacant lots to make way for a one-point-five-acre public park. The Altoona Redevelopment Authority has reached a settlement with one property owner and is negotiating with four others as part of the plan to acquire the land near the Seventh Street Bridge. Authorities plan to begin developing the park, which will feature grass, trees, benches and works of art, this spring. Officials say the project will help the bridge become a picturesque gateway to the city, but some property owners say the project is a waste of prime commercial real estate that could bring in tax revenue for the city.