PA Governor Rendell Says Mounting Job Losses Mean Tougher Times Ahead

HARRISBURG, Pa., Nov. 20 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Reacting to today's announcement thatPennsylvania lost 7,300 more jobs in October, Governor Edward G. Rendell expressed concern that mounting losses could put a strain on families and businesses and continue to depress state revenue collections.

"The nation's economic downturn is affecting the lives of workers across the country and here inPennsylvania," Governor Rendell said. "The fact thatPennsylvania's unemployment rate remains well below the national rate shows that we are weathering the storm better than many states, but economists are predicting things could get worse before they get better.

"We need to remain vigilant about cutting and controlling state spending wherever possible, while we continue strategic investments that can provide immediate economic stimulus that will create jobs for hardworking Pennsylvanians.

"We have already identified hundreds of millions of dollars in spending cuts without significant negative affect on services. This week, I directed my cabinet to look more closely at their budgets because we need to cut more. We will try to do this with as little harm as possible, but some cuts will be painful.

"Fortunately,Pennsylvania is already focusing on infrastructure investments to stimulate our economy and keep people working. Thanks to our historic infrastructure investment this year, workers are busy repairing and replacing more than 400 bridges, fixing water and sewer systems and making communities safe from floods.

"We can do more. Voters overwhelmingly approved the $400 million clean water bond referendum on Nov. 4, which will produce a significant level of new economic activity.

"In addition to using the resources approved in this year's state budget, I continue to push for increased federal infrastructure funding that will create jobs and provide an immediate stimulus to our economy.

"Working with our federal partners we can take the steps necessary to turn the nation's economy around," he said.

Earlier this week, Governor Rendell met inWashington with members ofPresident-elect Obama's transition team and key legislative leaders to discuss the nation's infrastructure needs.

"If we don't act quickly, we will see our infrastructure fall further into disrepair," the Governor said. "Now is the time to make infrastructure investments that will support tens of millions of jobs. These are good-paying jobs that put steel and concrete into the ground. They will stimulate our economy now and pay dividends for our economy and society for decades to come."

The Rendell administration is committed to creating a first-rate public education system, protecting our most vulnerable citizens and continuing economic investment to support our communities and businesses. To find out more about Governor Rendell's initiatives and to sign up for his weekly newsletter, visit: www.governor.state.pa.us.

EDITOR'S NOTE: The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry today released "Pennsylvania's Employment Situation: October 2008." To receive a copy, call (717) 787-7530.

    CONTACT:        
    Troy Thompson
    717-787-7530
    Chuck Ardo
    717-783-1116

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor

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