Look For Furloughs, Possible Layoffs In 2010
As the governor and state legislature look for ways to fill a massive budget deficit for FY2011, it appears cuts may affect various state workers. This may come in the form of furloughs or layoffs as agency cuts reach 15 or 20 percent.
Here is what some leaders in Jackson have said about the situation:
- State Sen. Doug Davis (R-Hernando), who is Vice-Chair of the Appropriations committee, told the Clarion-Ledger that when cuts hit that level it is inevitable that personnel would be affected. He said that there are only so many ways to trim the budget before this happens.
- Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant said furloughs and layoffs are not a “forgone conclusion,” but a possibility. He said he preferred furloughs for obvious reasons.
- State Rep. John Mayo (D-Clarksdale), while writing on his blog, said he will prefile a bill which would require a one week furlough (or place on part time for two weeks) for employees making over $30,000 a year.
- Haley Barbour, who has received the most criticism but also offered up the most ideas, has proposed several cuts affecting government workers. This includes requiring workers to pay more into the retirement system, requiring retirees to pay higher costs for the state’s health plan until they reach age 65, rolling back the automatic COLA, and suspending State Personnel Board rules to give agencies more flexibility with their staff.
