ECONOMIC STRESS TO CONTINUE FOR RESIDENTS AND PA. STATE GOVERNMENT

A new mid-year report on Pennsylvania’s fiscal health says residents and lawmakers both should be alarmed about certain factors at the state level.  The forecast from the Independent Fiscal Office relays that wages are expected to decrease over three and a half percent as money from the federal government’s stimulus funds come to an end.  However, officials say the state is experiencing a record-low unemployment rate.  It was at four-point-oh percent for the fourth quarter of last year.  Governor Josh Shapiro is expected to give his inaugural budget address March 7th.