This article was originally published in The Notebook. In August 2020, The Notebook became Chalkbeat Philadelphia.
Pennsylvania House Republicans rebuffed an attempt to let Philadelphia impose a cigarette tax to help fund its city schools.
GOP leaders said Tuesday that the $2-a-pack levy was not related to the bill that Democrats were attempting to amend.
It was a setback for Mayor Nutter, who earlier that day had seen senators approve the tax authorization in a separate bill.
Nutter said that about 1,300 employees’ jobs are on the line, as is the timely opening of city schools in September.
"School should start in about 70 days," Nutter said. "There are notice requirements in terms of layoffs, so many teachers, counselors, nurses, and other support staff unfortunately may start receiving layoff notices as a result of the inaction this evening."