CBS 21 News has continuing coverage of the layoffs happening at the State Capitol. Some businesses and retailers are now on edge because of this, especially as the holiday shopping season nears.
You can see it in their faces. Worry and wonder, waiting to see if their job is next.
" It's a little dark. You know, everyone is waiting to see what happens next," said a state employee, Dauphin County.
By the end of the week, the state will tell 319 workers to leave. Some of the ones who are still there, spoke to CBS 21 News anonymously.
" In my department, we're safe. But other departments are on pins and needles, scared. It's a bad time to be laid off," said another state employee.
The state's latest round of layoffs are affecting more than state employees. The local economy is taking a hit. Scott's Grille, near the State Capitol, has closed. And they've already lost some customers at The Soup Spot in downtown Harrisburg.
" Some of them are crossing their fingers, some of our regulars have actually been part of the furlough, it's sad. Hopefully they find jobs," said Randy Straub, The Soup Spot owner.
At the Harrisburg Mall, retailers are on edge, offering up to 70-percent off. They're hoping whatever money people do have to spend, they'll spend there.
" It's terrible for everybody, the retail industry, business in the entire market," said Mark Nobile, General Manager, Harrisburg Mall.
Although they're not sure what this year's holiday shopping season will look like, retailers think that people will still shop, but just for the basics.
And CBS 21 News is told that chocolate is a big seller in times like these. It's relatively cheap and makes you feel good.
