More Pa. gov't layoffs expected

HARRISBURG, Pa. - October 19, 2009 -- It appears likely that state government will announce another round of layoffs soon.

Gov. Ed Rendell said Monday that he might make an announcement on layoffs by the end of the week. The state has laid off more than 300 employees since July because of spending cuts.

Rendell signed a state budget on Oct. 9 that cuts overall state spending by nearly 2 percent, and slashes environmental protection operations by almost 14 percent.

Environmental Protection Secretary John Hanger says there'll be additional layoffs, but he isn't offering specifics. His agency currently has more than 2,770 employees.

Sen. Mary Jo White, who chairs the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, says the department's cuts will be partially offset by higher permitting fees.

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