Pa. budget secretary plans spending freezes to combat $500 million deficit

    Pennsylvania is facing some harsh realities.

    Budget Secretary Charles Zogby said today the state has a projected $500 million deficit for the midpoint of the fiscal year, and he’s planning some spending freezes to handle it.

    The Associated Press reports Zogby didn’t detail the freezes, but said the state has been struggling with pension, debt and health care costs during the weakened economy. Next year’s budget might just be more painful than this year’s.

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