Rendell Takes Action to "Help the Suffering"

Governor Ed Rendell says a series of executive actions will help Pennsylvania residents suffering through the bad economy. Rendell is billing the moves outlined during a news conference yesterday as emergency relief, and says the actions won't cost Pennsylvania taxpayers any additional money, or add to the state's projected $2.3 billion deficit. Rendell is freeing up funds to; add more people to the AdultBasic insurance program, which currently has a waiting list of more than 200-thousand, expand home heating aid by another month, and pump an extra $5 million into the commonwealth's mortgage assistance program. He says, “No one thinks that the plans that we've announce today are going to solve any problems. But they can help our citizens at their most vulnerable time. If you've lost your job, if you're facing the loss of your home, if you can no longer send your child to college, these are extraordinarily excruciatingly difficult times for you.” Rendell is also expanding hours at CareerLink centers, and has set up a website that helps commonwealth residents compare prescription drug prices. Republicans are expected to react to the Governor’s plans later today.