Furlough plan in New Jersey spares very few state workers
Budget hearings are continuing in New Jersey as state lawmakers try to close a billion-dollar budget deficit. One of the cost-saving measures drawing the most heat is furloughs for state workers. Some state employees might not have to take the unpaid days off.
Budget hearings are continuing in New Jersey as state lawmakers try to close a billion-dollar budget deficit. One of the cost-saving measures drawing the most heat is furloughs for state workers. Some state employees might not have to take the unpaid days off.
Caption: New Jersey State Treasurer David Rousseau
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[audio: reports20090407budget.mp3]
State Treasurer David Rousseau says furloughs will be widespread. But state officials are considering a few exemptions to the forced days off without pay, including police and some direct-care providers.
Rousseau: But other than that every employee in the executive branch will take two days off. The Speaker and Senate President put out a notice saying it will apply to to every worker in the legislature for May and June and the Chief Justice says it will also apply to the judiciary for May and June.
Rousseau says more furloughs could be in store when the new budget year begins on July first, but negotiations are continuing.
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