Labor Dept. backs 'Kate Plus 8' permits

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Pennsylvania's labor department is defending its decision to issue work permits to Kate Gosselin's sextuplets for the reality show "Kate Plus 8."

A statement from the Department of Labor & Industry says the children are not being "unlawfully exploited" by the filming at their home in Wernersville.

State Rep. Thomas Murt questioned the permits last week, saying Pennsylvania law allows children under 7 to work in movies, but not TV. Gosselin's sextuplets are 6.

Labor officials said Tuesday that the permits protect the children from working too many hours and ensure they receive earnings from the TLC show.

Murt maintains the permits are illegal. He says the labor department must seek a ruling from the attorney general.