Pa. state employees vent anger over losing pay

HARRISBURG (AP) — Hundreds of state employees facing disappearing paychecks are sending a message to Gov. Ed Rendell and state legislators.

The green-shirted and sign-waving employees vented their anger today at a raucous rally at the Capitol in which they chanted “Do your jobs!”

State government is in its fifth week of a budget impasse, and Rendell says a state court decision last year prevents him from paying employees.

Rendell has asked employees to continue working so government can remain open. They’ll collect back pay once a budget is signed.

Some employees say they’re running out of money.

Wendy Clevenger, a welfare case worker from Hopewell, says her husband lost his job in April. She’s considering applying for food stamps to feed her two young children.