O'PAKE SEEKS GOVERNOR'S INTERVENTION TO SAVE BERKS COUNTY JOBS

          Harrisburg, January 25, 2008 -- Senator Michael A. O’Pake announced today that he has called on the governor to look into plans that could cost 151 jobs in Berks County and has asked for a meeting with administration officials to discuss possible solutions.      
          “I am hopeful that it can be prevented,” the Reading Democrat said, “and I have asked the Governor to give it his personal attention.”
          On Thursday, officials of Conestoga-Firetree Ltd announced plans to lay off all its workers at the program on the grounds of Wernersville State Hospital because of a decision by the state Department of General Services not to renew the program’s lease due to a dispute over heating costs under the current lease.
          The program provides drug and alcohol treatment services to approximately 351 clients, most of whom are state prison inmates, at the site.
          “There are 151 jobs and a payroll of more than $3 million at stake,” said O’Pake. “On top of the effect on the workers and the community, the state also will have to deal with the impact on the prison system of losing those important services to inmates.”
          O’Pake said he reached out to the Governor on Thursday after learning of the situation from Conestoga-Firetree officials, and noted that the lease does not expire until March. Advance notice of the lay-offs that was given to workers Thursday is required by federal law.
          “There is still time to straighten this out, and we’re going to do everything we can to makes sure that it is,” O’Pake said.
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