Pennsylvania: Dave Coder

HARRISBURG -- Pennsylvania's county commissioners are asking the General Assembly members to stick out their collective political necks and maintain the state's already underfunded commitment to county human service programs, even if it means raising taxes.

Tax increases might seem an anathema to lawmakers, particularly Republicans, during the country's financial crisis. But to the commissioners, who gathered in the state Capitol Monday for a press conference, their request is about making sure Harrisburg doesn't pass its responsibilities on to someone else.