The Governor, Speaker of the House of Delegates and the Senate President requested the 188 members of the General Assembly take furlough days to delay potential layoffs of state workers. I participated early this year, having four days of pay withheld and the savings returned to the General fund. In light of the continuing bleak financial picture for Maryland, I joined other State employees who were furloughed and had four additional days of pay deducted.

Revenue collection and estimates have been revised downward leaving a deficit of over $2.5 billion out of a $32 billion State budget. Economic recovery seems elusive, especially for those without work. With the unemployment rate at 10.2% nationally, I believe managed furloughs and salary reductions are appropriate but, it will not solve the long term issue. The State must change its approach to the budget dramatically and seriously focus on reducing spending.

While furloughs are preferable to layoffs during these difficult times, they are a small bandage on a huge problem – the failure to realistically organize our finances and live within our means. I believe additional furloughs are not part of a comprehensive solution to the State budget crisis.

This entry was posted on Sunday, November 8th, 2009 at 5:35 pm and is filed under General. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.