WHERE THE BAILOUT ENDS. . .

Philadelphia Inquirer - The budget deal reached in Harrisburg, which includes an extension of the state sales tax to cultural performances and venues - including museums - has stunned and angered the arts community. "We heard nothing about this until late last night," Peggy Amsterdam, head of the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance, said yesterday. "It must have been a very last-minute deal. Not only will it hit the arts organizations, but it will make it harder for people to pay." . . . Sources familiar with the final package said the deal calls for the creation of a special fund for cultural institutions and the arts. The fund would get the bulk of the ticket-tax revenue - the exact percentage was unclear - and use it to support institutions previously subsidized by the general fund, such as museums, theaters, and zoos. Senate Republicans, who had steadfastly opposed any new taxes, insisted on the fund.