State Rep. John Shaban: New challenges, opportunities

The 2014 Legislative Session convened Feb. 6, marking the start of a three-month-long “short session,” during which only bills related to financial matters may be considered by the General Assembly.

The legislature faces many challenges and opportunities as we begin a session that will focus in large part on making adjustments to our biennial state budget. Despite a $1.1 billion deficit projected for the next budget cycle, this year will see a $506 million one-time boost of excess cash from over-borrowing and some unforeseen income due to several large estates paying estate tax.

I am pushing for $5 million of that revenue to be dedicated to the Statewide Firearms Trafficking Task Force, which is the group charged with investigating illegal gun transfers and possession.