Pa. state Senate lays off 35 because of tight budget

HARRISBURG (AP) -- The state Senate laid off 35 of its 1,000 employees to save money.
"We have a [Senate] budget that's had virtually no increase for a third year in a row ... and it was becoming clear that we couldn't proceed with the same number of employees," said Michael Long, staff administrator for Senate President Pro Tempore Robert C. Jubelirer, R-Blair.
The laid-off aides are: 14 from the offices of the Senate secretary and chief clerk, 11 from the Democratic caucus and 10 from the Republican caucus. The layoffs took effect immediately, and affected employees were eligible for one week's severance pay for each year of service, Long said.
"There may be a few more" layoffs on the Democratic side, said spokeswoman Teresa Candori. A decision will be made in the next few days, she said Thursday.
Senate leaders also agreed to cap staff increases at 1.6 percent, and staff vacancies will be filled only if "absolutely necessary," Long said.
Earlier this year, Gov. Ed Rendell ordered a 10 percent across-the board reduction -- out of a $21 billion budget -- in spending in the executive branch of state government. The layoffs in the Senate, which has a $75 million operating budget, are the first cutbacks to be announced this year in the legislative branch.
Ted Mazia, chief clerk in the House of Representatives, said there were no plans to cut jobs there.