Pocono News Section

State Layoffs to Impact Northeastern Pennsylvania

State Layoffs to Impact Northeastern Pennsylvania - Tuesday, November 17, 2009 at 5:36PM EST

Reported by: Eric Deabill
Tuesday, Nov 17, 2009 @ 05:36pm EST
SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY - More than 300 state workers are getting bad news this week. They're being told they're out of a job because of the state budget crisis.

Governor Ed Rendell talked about the layoffs after a stop in Scranton. He came to talk with business and civic leaders at the Chamber of Commerce. That's where he blasted state lawmakers for not going after all possible revenue sources.

In all, a total of 319 state workers are expected to lose their jobs.

"I hate to lay people off at any time particularly in this bad economy when it's going to be so tough to get a job and particularly at the holidays," Rendell said.

One of the places that could be affected most by the layoffs is the Anthracite Museum at McDade Park in Scranton. The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission is expected to lose 85 employees. The museum in Scranton is expected to close for the winter.

"It's inevitable I think but it's sad," Alex Belavitz of Waymart said.

Belavitz stopped by the museum Tuesday knowing it may be forced to shut its doors.

"My grandparents worked and lived in the area and they were miners," Belavitz said.

Bill Gilpin of Dunmore also was at the museum. It was his first visit.

"It's great. I know some of the history by reading books and so forth, but to come up here and see it is something else," Gilpin said.

Rendell also alluded to more possible layoffs down the road. He says the legislature's delay in passing table games is becoming a problem.

"Unless we get on the stick and pass table games I've got to put money in the budgetary reserve and that means more layoffs," Rendell said.

Eckley Miners Village in Luzerne County is also expected to be affected by the state layoffs.