Rendell Rips Pa., Budget Deal

HARRISBURG, Pa. - Gov. Ed Rendell is redoubling his criticism of a day-old agreement reached by three of the Legislature's four caucuses to end Pennsylvania's long budget stalemate.</p> <p>Rendell held a noon Capitol news conference Saturday to highlight the pitfalls of a nearly $28 billion deal that he continues to promise to veto if no changes are made.</p> <p>Most notably, Rendell says the dealmakers' revenue projections ignore reality and will open a $1 billion deficit next year.</p> <p>He also says some cuts will hobble student learning programs and incentives designed to reward businesses such as Harley Davidson that choose to locate in Pennsylvania.</p> <p>Rendell hopes to meet with top legislators Sunday night, a day before legislators say they will begin procedural votes on the plan.</p>