Social services suffer in budget stalemate

Harrisburg remains mired in a two-month-old budget stalemate that is taking its toll on social service providers. But Delaware County does not have enough extra money to help all providers with cash flow problems.

Harrisburg remains mired in a two-month-old budget stalemate that is taking its toll on social service providers. Some counties have enough cash reserves to help float the organizations. But Delaware County does not have enough extra money to help all providers with cash flow problems.

The Center for Literacy has had to stop providing GED classes and English as a second language courses in Delaware County.

Joanne Weinberger is the president of the Center for Literacy. She says that impacts about 100 students.

Weinberger: I have sleepless nights. I feel for the staff that is uncertain about what is going to happen with their jobs. I feel for our students who are not receiving the opportunities and they’ve come forward, they’re asking for a second chance and they’re hearing well, we’ll have to put you on a wait list because we’re not sure what’s happening.

Weinberger says the Center has had to ask their bank to extend their line of credit.

And she’s not the only one. Across the state, daycare providers say they’re also taking out loans. Delaware County officials say they’re using the cash they do have to help child care providers.