Posted under Budget
In the latest of a string of cuts necessary to balance Maryland’s budget, O’Malley announced some painful cuts to the state government’s workforce:
More than 200 state workers will lose their jobs as Gov. Martin O’Malley tries to close a nearly $740 million budget gap amid the national recession. Affected employees are being notified today.
The rest of Maryland’s work force will see their salaries reduced by the equivalent of three to 10 days through a government-shutdown and furlough plan. The two-tiered proposal is designed to have less of an impact on lower-paid workers and gradually require deeper pay cuts so that those making more than $100,000 a year would be docked 10 days’ pay.
The Democratic governor will present his package of budget cuts totaling $454 million tomorrow to the state Board of Public Works, which makes spending adjustments when the General Assembly is not in session. Weeks ago, the board approved $282 million in reductions.
These cuts will hit my hometown of Annapolis, where a good portion of the state government is based, particularly hard. But could Maryland have avoided some of the furloughs and layoffs with some fresh thinking? Utah is saving millions of dollars by switching to a 4-day, 40 hour work week for state employees:
Utah this summer will become what experts say is the first state to institute a mandatory four-day work week for most state employees, joining local governments across the nation that are altering schedules to save money, energy and resources.
…Huntsman says the change will help Utah reach its goal of reducing energy use 20% by 2015.Beyond the energy and financial implications, the four-day work week is a quality-of-life issue for many. Huntsman says it is especially popular among younger employees and that his action will make Utah more competitive in luring talent.
This kind of system may or may not work in Maryland. But if we are going to meet the challenges facing the state, we need some new ideas.
More details on the Governor’s budget cuts here.
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