Is the Harley Handout Constitutional?

Governor Ed Rendell just announced $15.4 million in economic development assistance to renovate its York County factory and train workers.

$14 million of the $15.4 million comes from Capital Redevelopment Assistance. The money for this fund is part of the capital budget – i.e. borrowed from taxpayers by issuing bonds. Not only the fact that this is a gross misuse of taxpayer money, but this handout seems to be unconstitutional.

Section 8 of the Constitution of Pennsylvania explicitly says,

The credit of the Commonwealth shall not be pledged or loaned to any individual, company, corporation or association not shall the Commonwealth become a joit owner or stockholder in any company, corporation or association.

Seems like there is no binding down Ed Rendell from mischief by the chains of the Constitution!