By Gillian McGoldrick, The Philadelphia Inquirer (TNS)

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Despite the contentious issue of mass transit funding being off the table , top Pennsylvania legislative leaders are still unable to agree on the most basic question when it comes to state budget negotiations: how much money they should spend.

The state’s cooling financial outlook — plus federal uncertainty and required increases to Medicaid spending — has leaders still at odds and growing increasingly frustrated over how much state money they should budget for the new fiscal year, which began more than 2½ months ago and has left state payments to essential services in limbo.

What’s more: The amount lawmakers ultimately approve for this year’s budget will determine if Pennsylvania needs to raise taxes, cut spen

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