Smart Talk: More budget fallout; Emotional intelligence

What to look for on Smart Talk Monday, December 14, 2015:

There is some speculation that a state budget agreement may be reached this week between Gov. Tom Wolf and Republicans in the House and Senate.  Even if the five-and-a-half month old stalemate does end within the next few days, it could be weeks before schools and social service organizations recover.  Neither has received state funding since the beginning of the fiscal year July 1.

Many have had to borrow money to keep operating or even make payroll, or have cut back services or shut down.

Easter Seals of Western and Central Pennsylvania works with intellectually disabled Pennsylvanians.  Last week, 22 Easter Seal employees were laid off and salaries cut for others.

As part of WITF’s Gridlocked project that examines the impact of the budget impasse, Matt Ernst of the Easter Seals appears on Monday’s Smart Talk.

Also, we’ll hear from a retired Navy chaplain tells us about emotional intelligence — the ability to identify and manage emotions in stressful situations.