Gov. Rendell last week slashed another $128 million in spending from Pennsylvania’s fiscal 2009 budget and announced a pay freeze for 13,600 non-union state workers. That brings the total budget cut to $464 million.
It was unclear exactly what programs and departments would be on the chopping block, but yesterday the governor attempted to provide more concrete plans during his mid-year budget review briefing.
His plan includes elimination of this year’s cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for himself and cabinet members, cuts by General Assembly and other independent agencies, and using a portion of Pennsylvania’s $750 million Rainy Day Fund, among other provisions.
We’re not sure whether or how these plans will affect The Arc. But we do know we’re not alone in the struggle. Forty-one states face budget deficits, and are taking measures to offset falling revenues.
It looks like we’re at a wait-and-see stage …
We’ll keep you updated as news unfolds.
