The Pennsylvania State AFL-CIO leadership had some criticism for the recently announced State Budget. Tax cuts to corporations are offset with further cuts in social programs.
The most significant change, according to the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO is to cut the future benefits of current State Employees and move new employees into a 401(K) style pension system.
The intention to privatize the state liquor stores and distribute those licenses was also, once again, criticized by the State AFL-CIO.
Pennsylvania not opting into Medicaid expansion, which would be a $17 billion investment and expand coverage to up to 875,000 uninsured Pennsylvanians, was questioned as well.
On the issue of transportation, State AFL-CIO leadership agreed that funding infrastructure is long overdue, but question the amount. “We appreciate the effort, but more funding is needed to put Pennsylvania back to work rebuilding and modernizing an outdated and neglected transportation infrastructure, which includes roads and bridges, mass transit systems, rails, airports, ports and waterways,” State AFL-CIO President Bloomingdale said.
The deadline draws close for a decison on the contract with British-based company Camelot to take over the managment of the State's Lottery. More details on this in the days to come.
Also, the proposal to increase the minimum wage mentioned in the State of The Union is being criticized by the busineess community.
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