People in the Poconos Worry about "Fiscal Cliff"

Barrett Township, Monroe County - Talks on the so called "fiscal cliff" remain stalled. House Speaker John Boehner said Friday there has been "no progress" on a compromise.

If nothing changes by the time the New Year arrives, tax breaks will expire and deep spending cuts will start. Some worry it could trigger another recession. But lawmakers have not moved to make any changes.

That has many people worried. They include business people in the Poconos. Eyewitness News visited Skytop Lodge to see how "falling off the fiscal cliff" could impact the region's biggest industry, tourism.

Katherine Nelson and her husband Charles Pitchford were visiting Skytop from New York. They said they are watching the "fiscal cliff" talks. Charles said he's concerned about investments for his children. He added, "A little bit nervous for the future, you know the debt that this country has piled up. It's going to affect them more than it affects me."

But the couple won't let fear stop them from enjoying time at Skytop. Katherine noted, "We are cutting back somewhat but we are still going to visit our favorite places and this is one of them."

Skytop managers are worried other families will cut back on vacations. Ed Mayotte is the Operations Director at the Resort. He said, "It's gonna be a big impact."

Mayotte said without a fiscal deal, people might not have as much money to spend on fun. He explained, "Right off the top they're gonna lose income but then there are going to be additional expensees that are going to be associated with medical care, with child care taxes that are gonna be implemented."

Financial troubles could cause fewer people to come to the resort. Plus resort taxes will likely go up. That could impact 400 employees. Mayotte explained, "If we don't have vacationers come to Skytop then we will not have the need to employ those people."

Mayotte said lawmakers need to move to avoid a disastrous domino effect. He noted, "Both sides have got to say listen we have got to give in a reasonable amount."

Lawmakers have just 25 days to make a deal.