Governor Rendell signed SB 174 this morning, legislation that would permanently establish the Pennsylvania Center for Health Careers within the Department of Labor and Industry. The governor said the bill furthers one of his campaign pledges, to create “good, family-sustaining jobs.”

The governor also commented on the state’s tenuous budget situation, which has broken down over the last 36 hours owing largely to disagreement over the creation of an independent fiscal office. The governor said he remains on the sidelines at this point, as House Democrats and Senate Republicans work to a resolution. He said if asked, however, he would wade back in to negotiations. Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story.