State Must Pay Workers During Budget Impasse

Pennsylvania's highest court says the state constitution doesn't prohibit the governor from continuing to pay state employees during a budget impasse.

The state Supreme Court said Monday it agreed with state workers' unions and ruled against the position that Gov. Ed Rendell had taken leading up to the July 2008 budget deal.

The unions had argued that the federal Fair Labor Standards Act trumped a section of the state constitution that requires an appropriation in order for money to be paid out of the state treasury.

The decision undercuts Rendell's argument that the furloughs he threatened were legally required.

Rendell's spokesman had no immediate comment, and messages left for union leaders weren't immediately returned.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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