I hate to say I told you so, but I told you so.

Things are getting serious out in Harrisburg. The fine folks who represent us are trying to come to grips with a $3.2 billion budget shortfall.

Gov. Ed Rendell is asking for a temporary, three-year hike in the state personal income tax of a half-percentage point.

Yesterday he also was asked about new legislation introduced in both the House and Senate that would give the green light to expanding gambling in the state’s casinos to include table games.

Rendell said that while he remains opposed to it, if per chance a bill to that extent was placed on his desk he would sign it. I imagine he had to try pretty hard not to wink at the reporter as he told of his opposition to this plan.

I said earlier this week that you could pretty much bet on table games being added to the mix in Pa.

Nothing has happened to change my mind. Bet on it.

Or, as they say in Harrisburg, take the money and run.