Gov. Rendell Warns of Job Cuts while it's

'Business As Usual' at the Capitol

In a Press Conference Thursday Jan. 22, Gov. Rendell claimed that a projected a $2.3 billion budget shortfall will result in program cuts and "some layoffs of state workers."

AFSCME C13 was blind sided with this announcement as ongoing meetings with the governor's staff continue to explore cost-saving measures and tapping into available surplus revenues in order to avoid such lay offs.

"This announcement is premature while other revenues have not been exhausted," said C13 Exec. Dir. Fillman.  Some of those revenues are as follows:

• 1)      $750 million dollar 'rainy day fund'

 

• 2)     Legislative budget surplus

 

• 3)      Economic stimulus and FMAP medicaid reimbursement for over $2 billion dollars

 

Other in-house options are also on the table, such as a 4-day work week and cutting back on consultants.

"Pennsylvania's state workers have been victims of a 'silent furlough' for 20 years," said Fillman.  "State workers have sacrificed with lower pay increases and contributions to health care costs -- that's why we were one of the few states with a surplus last year," explained Fillman.  "To look at our folks as a solution to the economic crisis while unnecessary spending continues is just not fair.  The capital complex can sacrifice new sidewalks before our members are asked to sacrifice their livelihood."