Official: Stalled Pa. state borrowing could cost jobs

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — As lawmakers hurry to wrap up business before their holiday break, the Corbett administration issued a strong warning that failure to authorize $1.7 billion in new state borrowing could shut down thousands of construction projects across the state.

In a letter obtained today by The Associated Press, Budget Secretary Charles Zogby said a lack of cash threatens to idle work on highways and bridges, flood-control improvements, prison construction and similar activities.

“Thousands of construction workers will be laid off and the economy will begin to suffer” if the bill is not approved by the House before its planned adjournment next week, Zogby wrote to Rep. Gordon Denlinger, vice chairman of the House Finance Committee.