Gold Dome Live

By Mary

February 24, 2009 8:52 AM | Link to this

What isn’t figured in this story is that most agencies either already have scores of jobs that they weren’t allowed to fill or have had numerous employees leave or retire without filling those positions. My agency had almost 60 empty positions when the hiring freeze went into effect and has lost an additional 20 employees since August. So, we have experienced a loss of 11.6% of total jobs. Another agency I know is down 25%.

By geekboy

February 24, 2009 8:59 AM | Link to this

I’d like to say furlough the Thrashers, but most of their players have been taking a lot of time off anyway.

By PowerWorker

February 24, 2009 9:24 AM | Link to this

The state of georgia, filled with a bunch of lazy, unmotivated employees, could lay off half and you would never know the difference. Start with the morons in these agencies like auto tags, licenses, unemployment, etc. who do nothing all day except complain and give bad service.

By dingo

February 24, 2009 9:27 AM | Link to this

Maybe if Purdue hadn’t padded the pockets of the “consolidation of IT”.. I mean that cost 10s of millions… and the state has gotten NOTHING out of that. I don’t know what is wrong with people… why we let the government get away with this kind of spending. Then millions for a lake in south GA near Purdue’s home.

Gov Purdue, How do you sleep at night? We are trying to feed our children and pay our mortages. You are a crook. I would like to pay for you a 10x10 cell in GA state prision. That’s where you belong.

By prisonnurse

February 24, 2009 9:34 AM | Link to this

We could save millions of dollars if inmates in prison didn’t get better health care ( for free!!!)than the employees of the State who pay outragious sums for insurance.

By MuttsRDummies...

February 24, 2009 9:39 AM | Link to this

Georgia could save a bundle by closing the extended high school in Athens, aka UGA. It is a third rate school academically, little more than an over hyped teachers college….close it now…and cut my income taxes with the savings.

By DHR Hubby

February 24, 2009 9:40 AM | Link to this

Every organization is filled with a bunch of lazy unmotivated workers, and that includes Fortune 500 companies, I know because I see it.. everyday. People kill me with their stereotypes. And while I do admit, servie is crappy in places like post offices, DMV’s etc, I guess I can understand why service is the way it is. I’ve been forunate enough where I don’t have to do the exact same thing over again and again each day of my life, every few minutes. Otherwise the quality of my work might suffer after a time as well.

Now my wife on the other hand IS a DHR employee on furloughs, she works her behind off to find suitable placement and adoption candidates for many neglected and abused children in our state, and it oftentimes requires her to travel to various areas of the state to do periodic visits and other related activities,and can at times be an emotional drain. She gives her heart and soul to this effort, and with the measely less than $30/yr salary she is paid for this dedication a day off without pay really puts a thumb in the eye. Sonny sure as h#ll found the money for his fishin’ museum though!

By Carley

February 24, 2009 9:43 AM | Link to this

I want to see the legislators and the Governor’s office and the Governor himself taking furlough days!!!!!

By Rick from Pi

February 24, 2009 9:46 AM | Link to this

Purdue is such an idiot!! How are you refusing to take funds from the stimulus bill, due to partisan crap, but the state is going broke?!?!? What a lame duck loser.

By GBA

February 24, 2009 9:48 AM | Link to this

Let’s see, GA has over 100,000 Employees and 25,000 are on Furlough. Guess this tells us who is Gov Purdue’s Favorite. I guess DHR, the Agency that takes care of the most vulnerable citizens are the ones who will help you balance your budget. Why don’t we bring some more of those Chicago folks down and pay them big bucks to help out. The running of our Goverment remains questionable and continues to create a conflict of interest.

By tea

February 24, 2009 9:50 AM | Link to this

can someone please tell me how it is that all of a sudden every business is having financial woes..i smell a rat!

By State Worker

February 24, 2009 9:54 AM | Link to this

The employees that are having to take furlough days are the ones at the end of the pay scale. If the Governer and other employees who make too much money had to take furloughs so many people would not have to take them.

By ATL_ITP

February 24, 2009 9:55 AM | Link to this

Why should the legislators try to force the University system to forlough staff/faculty? As long as the individual institutions balance their budgets, including the additional cuts - why should legislators care? Forloughs are a temporary short-sighted fix. Rebudgeting across the board and realistic forecasts are long term solutions. Georgian Republicans are not the brightest bulbs in the pack…

By tc

February 24, 2009 9:56 AM | Link to this

a good many admin positions in regents, technical & adult, state colleges are overpaid….start there.

By Just A Grunt

February 24, 2009 9:58 AM | Link to this

The world of academia continues to prove they have no concept of what life in the real world is like. It seems our institutions of higher tuition, er learning are just like the tenured professional federal politicians. They have job security for life. You haven’t heard of any cuts in the federal jobs either. Why should they? If they have trouble making payroll they just take more of yours. Unless of course you are the head of the postal service in which case you can make twice as much money as the president. While congress critters bash corporations for private jets they have no problem jetting around the country holding pep rallies or like Nancy Pelosi going on book tours. Go back to sleep America. You elected the Dems who control our country so you are getting what you deserve. It is too bad your children won’t.

By Eric

February 24, 2009 10:05 AM | Link to this

Market down over 35% since election..
Market down over 11% since inauguration..
Printing money to give to people who don’t work, and to give to Socialist organizations to buy votes.
An individual (can’t really call him a “president” can we?), that is so clueless, that everytime he opens his mouth, educated people say “WHAT?”
There’s more to come.. just wait to you hear the pablum that the Obamanation spews forth to his sheep tonight… Baaaah.. Baaaaah..
Can we survive even one more day of this CHANGE?
In only 37 days, this a**-hat has proven to be the biggest disaster in the history of this country.

By SonnyMoney

February 24, 2009 10:05 AM | Link to this

How is Sonny’s briliant Go Fish campaign going down in his home town—-which is getting all the millions from Ga taxpayers for his buddies?? Can I eat some of the fish they catch down there with all this money? I’m hungry.

By state worker

February 24, 2009 10:09 AM | Link to this

What day is the Gov taking off for furlough? I think a day of saving his pay would help more than a day of a low paid state workers.

By Confused

February 24, 2009 10:09 AM | Link to this

Just comment after taking billions in stimulus checks last year from the federal government; the state shouldn’t be in this shape.

Someone needs to check the budget & accounting departments.

By none

February 24, 2009 10:11 AM | Link to this

I wonder if Sonny reads this and sees how big of a mistake the citizens made by electing him.

By ugaprof

February 24, 2009 10:11 AM | Link to this

The University System’s money doesn’t come entirely from the state! It also gets donations, grants, and contracts, as well as tuition and fees. Does it have the right to furlough the teachers when the students have already paid tuition for the courses? Maybe not?

By Faculty furlooughs

February 24, 2009 10:13 AM | Link to this

Faculty salaries are paid from two sources: taxes and tuition from students. I think all other state employees are paid solely from taxes. Some state employees receive a local supplement but that is also paid by local taxes. If faculty members were furloughed, the classes scheduled for that day and any student apointments would be cancelled. Would we refund a portion of the tuition to the students? Furloughing secretaries, custodians and other support staff would not save enough money to be worth the disruption.

By The Old Democrat

February 24, 2009 10:18 AM | Link to this

The State of Georgia budget problem is George W. Bush’s fault. All bad things can be traced to Bush.

Our only hope is our Savior Obama. All good things come from him.

I can’t wait to get my free goverment check from my savior Obama. I am so happy he will solve all of my problems.

By Jai

February 24, 2009 10:23 AM | Link to this

One Word: Accountability! I do believe that is the main reason why Gov. Perdue does not want to take that stimulus money. I don’t remember President Bush getting as much opposition to his plan. However, it’s different when you don’t have to account for how you spending your share. I mean how are you going to fund a fishing a project with State money, but ask people to furlough? How do you account for this bull ish; you can’t. There are alot of ways to bring tourism to GA and this is a**backwards and wrong on so many levels.

Now we can complain all day on this article, but I say call your Representative and let them know that we are concerned about what is going on in our State. That ladies and gentlemen is how we get our voice out.

By NETTRA73

February 24, 2009 10:23 AM | Link to this

Money makes the world go around..Man doesn’t have the answer-be it republican/democrat/independent parties. Someone tell me when any one particular government has made everyone totally happy? When has anyone solved hunger, crime, pollution, death? The one problem that man can fix is hunger but they choose not to. For all those who trust in man’s government I am sure by now you are disillusioned. Something better is on its way-that’s a guarantee!

By Felicia

February 24, 2009 10:26 AM | Link to this

As of March 1, DHR/Division of Public is required to take 2 state mandated furlough days without pay. Furloughs affect personnel at paygrades 15 and higher and now the administrative budget. It would seem more equitable to ask ALL state employees to take a furlough, rather than single out an agency or office of people. Choosing pay grades 15 or higher is to suggest that those empoyees can help the organization meet its budget cuts best. Well,there are those who are at lower pays with longer tenure with state government and they make more money than those at pay grages 15 and higher, in some instances. It seems that all can benefit if we make “equal sacrifice” regardless of our paygrade or agency. — Last 2 Cents

By Who Cares

February 24, 2009 10:28 AM | Link to this

Well you can tell Sonny didn’t spend our money at “hair club for men” Yet! Maybe he needs another home on Lake Jackson or buy some more property down in Fla. and change the law so he won’t have to pay taxes on it. Just a thought! Oh, and you lazy state workers, why don’t you work for free for a month, Sonny needs the money!

By DOT Guy

February 24, 2009 10:32 AM | Link to this

Eric and Grunt: You just can’t get over losing the election can you? Face it fellas, if your GOP had stuck to it’s guns and not let Your President run roughshod over your alledged fiscal principals, it’s likely you’d still be in power — and we wouldn’t be in this mess. But you are the same kind of folks who defended Your President as infalliable, and now look what you’ve got. Go ahead and tilt at all the windmills you want — fact is we now have a president (yes, you can call him that) who is actually trying to think of ways out of this mess. I’m no Democrat, but for all our sakes, I hope he succeeds.

By Ok....

February 24, 2009 10:33 AM | Link to this

We are furloughing our workers yet Gov. Purdue is turning down money from the stimulus bill and spending money so that Georgia can be a premiere fishing and gaming state? You have to be kidding me…..Please impeach this idiot.

By GT_Staffer

February 24, 2009 10:37 AM | Link to this

Furloughs are not the solution, especially in academia. I agree that many organizations throughout state government AND within the University System have fat that can be trimmed, just as corporate America has fat that is being trimmed. However, it seems that our esteemed leaders would rather penalize everyone instead of cutting the dead weight and focusing on becoming more efficient.

Many, many people do not realize that, while the typical state agency operates on an 8x5 schedule, the universities (especially the large research institutions such as UGA, GT, etc…) operate 24x7. Research does not stop, students are always in labs, computer systems are always processing, etc…. Our IT staff works a minimum of 50 hours a week in the office, and another 10-15 from home just to keep things running for the Faculty, Staff, Students, and Researchers they support. Does it make sense to now turn to that same overworked staff and tell them to do all of this for less money? Even worse, we have recently been informed that layoffs are likely and that we may lose one of our team members. If we lose a team member, this person’s duties would have to be absorbed by the rest of the staff, thus requiring additional work above and beyond what is already put forth. If furlough days are implemented on top of staff cuts, a breakdown of service quality is inevitable. This breakdown simply cannot be afforded when it directly impacts the quality of education that is delivered to our future scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, and leaders.

While I specifically mention the IT staff above, the level of effort (at least in the department I am most familiar with) of the Administrative, Accounting, and support staff is equal to that of the IT support staff. Everyone here has been in the office on evenings, weekends, and holidays. Everyone here has had to work at home instead of spending time with their families. These costs, though readily accepted, should not be compounded with cuts in pay that is already sub-par when compared to the level of work and/or the corporate world. How many employees in state government outside of the university system can honestly say they put forth the same level of effort?

When we look at state government, let us be mindful that not all agencies are created equal. Let us also remember that not all employees are created equal. In my considerable time on the staff at Georgia Tech, I have had the privilege of working with both the best and worst. If one must choose between furloughing employees or reducing staff, the smart money is on keeping the hard workers around and trimming the fat, not making everyone suffer.

By Bob

February 24, 2009 10:49 AM | Link to this

GT, thanks for throwing the rest of the state under the bus. How arrogant? I’ve worked for the state for 20 years in auditing, budgeting, accounting and IT. I’ve run into all kinds of people. For the most part, I’ve worked with other hard working folks who go the extra mile to do the best for their state.

If you want to trim fat, the legislators have to make the tough choices of cutting entire programs. Just taking up a notch on the belt won’t do it. If you want to cut the budget, you have to look at Education or Healthcare or Transportation. Between them, they make up about 80% of what we spend. That’s where the fat can be found and cut. You could cut entire agencies (out of the remaining 20%) and still not make a dent in the revenue shortfall. But, if you cut one of the big 3, you may not get re-elected and re-election is way more important than the oath these legislators took to serve the people.

By mike

February 24, 2009 10:51 AM | Link to this

The colleges and universities can probably save a ton of money by not paying those professors who don’t show for class and are getting paid - my daughter is a student at GMC and she tells me that she has instructors who constantly don’t show up for class and these students are left to either go back home or stay for the next class - I think this is absurd and there should be some investigation into this

By Ron

February 24, 2009 10:54 AM | Link to this

The current Governor was elected because of the Flag issue. It’s a shame that this State is still divided over an issue settled over 150 yrs ago. So you elected a person that told you what you wanted to hear. He’s going to bring back the rebel flag. He didn’t have the support to do it. He knew that all along. The end result. The State of Georgia was in good financial condition when He took office. The end result, now He’s in good financial condition and the State is broke. By the way you still don’t have Rebel Flag, and you won’t ever have one now.

By Reader

February 24, 2009 11:02 AM | Link to this

Tea, have you ever studied economics, or just read up on it? Newsweek has had some good articles lately. Pres. Obama’s State of the Union address began with a good synopsis of the situation.

In simplest terms, when people are in fear for their jobs, they spend less. Less spending means lower profits for retail — so they in turn put less money back into the economy and reduce the hours of their workers; it means lower tax revenues for the state, schools, etc. so they buy fewer supplies and equipment — in other words, it’s a cycle and we’re all in it.

By tc

February 24, 2009 11:09 AM | Link to this

to GT staffer…i’ll grant you many folks in the university system are underpaid vs private sector…but they should be, given more job security & fringe benefits.

when those same college admin positions are compared to state employees they probably make more. look at gov’s pay vs college president…. look at the pay of a college finance director vs someone like dot controller or corrections controller….and then their subordinates.

finally, if admin people are working those extra hours what does it say about the efficiency and effectiveness of GT admin functions. If GT stands for GA Tech then i suggest some reengineering.

By South GA Man

February 24, 2009 11:11 AM | Link to this

Maybe the state should temp lower the wages of all state employees that make over $40K a year to $40K until the economy comes out of the recession and fire secretary’s that make over $35K.

By Concerned

February 24, 2009 11:11 AM | Link to this

What most people do not realize is that a research university like Georgia tech receives only 20% of its budget from the state. The rest comes from tuition, private sources and the research grants academics bring into the system. Research professors are paid under a 9 month binding contract with the state. Most of these academics find outside funding sources for those additional 3 summer months. To furlough the 9 month contract will invite breach of contract lawsuits. Furloughing in the summer months will invite legal challenges from corporations and federal funding agencies like NSF.

By Lateeshia

February 24, 2009 11:15 AM | Link to this

I work in state agency in Dekalb County—they better not furlough my job. The white supervisors in our department are always looking for ways to get rid of the African-american workers and if they furlough me, I’ll file a racial discrimination lawsuit. We’re not putting up with this racism anymore with Barrack Obama in charge! Those days are over. Let the white people lose their jobs first!

By Susan Griggs

February 24, 2009 11:29 AM | Link to this

This is for the Old Democrat : Obama doesn’t save, Jesus does. We all need to turn to Jesus now more than ever!

By dhj_1962

February 24, 2009 11:30 AM | Link to this

lateeshia, you sound like you are as racists as your white supervisors. May God bless you, and may God bless President Obama.

By john

February 24, 2009 11:32 AM | Link to this

Race card won’t work here!

By jbirdflanders

February 24, 2009 11:33 AM | Link to this

Furloughs for teaching personnel are not possible for 2 reasons…1)teaching personnel are contracted employees 2) national and regional accreditation for college courses require a minimum number of classroom minutes per credit hour. Only 12 month personnel in the University System are furlough eligible.

By paver

February 24, 2009 11:35 AM | Link to this

Last year the DOT said many projects were being suspended or cancelled due to a lack of funds. Have any lay-offs resulted from that lack of work?

By nypeach

February 24, 2009 11:36 AM | Link to this

The legislators want to hound the University System of Georgia into making furloughs, but the fact is that we are the only agency MAKING money during this recession. When the economy goes bad and people lose their jobs, they head back to school. So while we’re humping our butts trying to accomodate the thousands that have helped almost every institution reach record enrollment, the knee-jerk-reacting lawmakers are talking that yang. blah, blah, blah…yeah whatever. We still bring the rain (okay, drizzle).

By Jimma

February 24, 2009 11:38 AM | Link to this

This entire mess was started by me, Jimmy Carter!

By State Worker in IT

February 24, 2009 11:40 AM | Link to this

Lateeshia you can’t file suit in the furlough for race…they are furloughing ALL races so your lawsuit would be baseless…..you sound alot like you are discriminating to me…..as far as the IT consolidation….that’s actually starts April 1st and the reason you ain’t seen nothing out of it yet is because it ain’t actually started. I agree Purdue needs to be impeached but until we quit b!@tching and actually do something about it all this amounts to nothing more than sounding out your frustrations…….

By james

February 24, 2009 11:41 AM | Link to this

As an employee of the dept of corrections, i would to tell the itizen sof Georgia to make sure your doors are locked and be prepared to defend yourself when ESCAPED FELONS are roamong the street due to the lack of security at GA prisons due our wonderful govenrs budget cuts and furloughs— wonder how much money we will save whensomeone sues the state becausea cinvicted felon escaped and caused harm to them or thier loved ones??????????????/

By Corrections Employee

February 24, 2009 11:44 AM | Link to this

The Correctional Officers are starting at $30/year to protect and serve the State of GA citizens. Our clerks make less than $20/year to start and we like all state employee’s pay more for our health insurance than private sector employee’s. Sonny needs to cut the pork out of the budget and save state employee’s salaries. I work hard for my money and am proud of the job that I do.

By Unemployed & Disabled

February 24, 2009 11:45 AM | Link to this

Due to a car wreck that left me disabled in Aug. 06, I have lost my job in Nov. 06, have not been able to find a decent job since. Plus I have been turned down by SSI Disablilty twice. Thank God we have a new President that is doing nothing but trying to turn around our downward spiral of a recession to a depression. President Obama has given Georgians an opportunity to get back on its feet, only to Have Sonny disreguard the hundreds of unemployed, and thumb his nose at the Current President’s attempt to bail out the people who are sufferring the most. This a disgraceful action by the Republicans which got us in this mess to begin with. NOW WE HAVE 25,000 MORE GEORGIANS OUT OF WORK, AND HE JUST STATED ON MONDAY HE IS REFUSING TO ACCEPT THE MONEY FOR UNEMPLOYMENT CLAIMS FROM THE FEDS. SONNY HAS LOST TOUCH WITH THE PEOPLE HE REPRESENTS, AND SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE TO OVERIDE THIS ECONOMIC QUAGMIRE FAST. THINK THINGS ARE BAD NOW WAIT TILL WE ARE IN A FULL DEPRESSION, AND NOBODY HAS A JOB.

By Will

February 24, 2009 11:46 AM | Link to this

Hey Lateeshia, you and every one like you are the problem. You don’t get to work and keep your job just because you’re black (not African American). The supervisors are supposed to get rid of dead wood, or non-productive workers who think they are entitled to a job based on skin color rather than productivity. I would guess by yhe chip oi your shoulder that you are one of them. Hope they catch up to you soon. Oh and by the way, Barrack is not in charge, the congress is, as always.

By Ericisclueless

February 24, 2009 11:52 AM | Link to this

everytime he opens his mouth, educated people say “WHAT?”

You mean the college and post-baccalaureate educated demographics that Obama won?

Vote by Education Total Obama McCain Other/No Answer
No High School (4%) 63% 35% 2%
H.S. Graduate (20%) 52% 46% 2%
Some College (31%) 51% 47% 2%
College Graduate (28%) 50% 48% 2%
Postgraduate (17%) 58% 40% 2%

By Grumpy

February 24, 2009 11:55 AM | Link to this

To idiots like PowerWorker and Eric, nothing would work for them unless they were in charge of it. As someone who worked in state government for over 30 years (and whio now works in the private sector), I never, EVER, saw the kinds of waste characterized by PowerWorker. In fact, we were in the budget cutting/budget re-direct/furloughing job cuts business back in the early 1990s, long before the thieves on Wall Street and in other parts of the so-called “free market” were screwing the American taxpayer. I never worked less than a 50 to 60 hour work week at jobs that paid far less than the “free market” comparables. PowerWorker, when you have to wait twice as long now for a state service to be provided to you; or if you get stranded on a highway and the Georgia State Patrol can’t respond as quickly as you would like; or you can’t have a criminal prosecuted because the GBI’s regional labs can’t process evidence as quickly as the prosecuter needs to make the conviction…don’t cry like a little girly. Just suck it up and accept the fact that stateworkers provide a service everyday that bolsters public safety in Georgia. I’ll also bet you’re one of those people who hates teachers, too.

As for Eric, the greatest disaster this country ever experienced was not voting to elect Barack Obama President, but was letting Republican Presidents like Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush spend us into oblivion, while taking care of their friends. I hope that you don’t benefit one iota from any stimulus plan. And if your definition of “socialism” is taking money from ione taxpayer and giving it to another taxpayer (appparently it’s okay to give it to the rich), then reach inside your wallet and take out your social security card and tear it up. Then write the Social Security Administration and tell them you want to go on record now that you refuse to accept your social security benefits because you don’t believe in “socialism.”

By dwntn

February 24, 2009 11:55 AM | Link to this

Purdue only has 1 more year left in office, therefore it’s not surprising that he is taking a “F*K YALL” attitude when it comes to the states finances as long as his pals and family are living comfortably.

It’s the REPUBLICAN way….Just Ask BUSH!

By nypeach

February 24, 2009 11:56 AM | Link to this

Agree with the poster about not throwing other state agencies under the bus. At some point we will ALL have to unite to make sure Purdue talks the talk. His own house ought to be the first place he starts to make cuts and furloughs. He must think we are really stupid and will forget about the fishing project in his hometown and the whole changing-the-law thing to not pay taxes on land he bought. Sonny, we have long memories and we will remember that you demanded we bite the bullet while you walked away unscathed. and ANOTHER thing: I’m black, my co-workers are white, Asian, Latino, etc. I don’t care if they are orange with purple polka-dots, we are ALL facing hard times so cut the race crap.

By james

February 24, 2009 11:57 AM | Link to this

I agree with JAI’s comment 200%. Accountablity is why the Georgia Governor does not want to take most of the stimulus package. He won’t be able to get his hands on it.

By Mike

February 24, 2009 12:00 PM | Link to this

Complain all you want about Perdue, just don’t get short term amnesia when this hypocrite runs for the Senate. Bush and Perdue have screwed all of us.

By Please!

February 24, 2009 12:00 PM | Link to this

Leteshia is obviously someone trying to portray himself/herself as an African American. Horrible attempt!

By LAKRGRL

February 24, 2009 12:10 PM | Link to this

Lateeshia - Let the Al Sharpton attitude go sweetheart. My gutt is telling me that the supervisor in your department is trying to get rid of YOU. Since it’s obvious you won’t even BUY a clue, I’ll give you one for free (what can I say, I’m a giver): The longer you keep that piehole of yours shut, the longer your supervisor may be able to tolerate you. We (black people) are on another level now. Care to drop the Jesse Jackson mentality and join us?

By Reality

February 24, 2009 12:12 PM | Link to this

Lateeshia, you are a white man pretending to be a black woman. I don’t know anyone black named Lateeshia, and white women would not stoop so low. Emough already, white boy.

By NotLateeshia'sFriend

February 24, 2009 12:13 PM | Link to this

Lateeshia - It’s comments like this that make it impossible to have an honest, open discourse on race relations. You go girl - play that race card and fulfill every stereotype out there. And in case you’ve forgotten, President Obama is half-white. Signed - Not your friend.

By GT_Staffer

February 24, 2009 12:16 PM | Link to this

To Bob: I had no intention of throwing the rest of the state under the bus, so to speak. I have many friends and family working in various areas of state government and agree that there are many, many hardworking people. However, we all know that there are many people on the other end of the spectrum. I agree that targeting the big programs will get the most bang. However, as long as the legislature continues to fund pork and pet projects, nobody should go without a single penny.

To Mike: I agree - if someone is not doing what they are PAID to do, find someone who will. It shouldn’t matter if you are professor or a custodian.

To TC: The job security and the fringe benefits have been dwindling considerably in recent years. Yes, there is at least a modicum of job security as compared to many corporate jobs, but it is no longer guaranteed. Yes, the retirement program is excellent compare to most corporate retirement plans, however the cost of this is on the rise. Additionally, the university system increased healthcare costs from between 25% and 100%, depending on the particular plan an employee is enrolled in, just this year alone. Georgia Tech & Georgia State employee’s pay $600+ a year to park a car on campus to go to work - other universities charge to park, but it is often significantly less. If you want to talk about efficiency, lets…. The extra hours are required because in all cases, 4 people are doing the work of 6, 6 people are doing the work of 9-10, etc… This situation exists because of PREVIOUS cuts that were enacted in years past.

To Concerned: THANK YOU….I recently heard that the number was more like 18%, but it does fluctuate. The support staff is critical to the academic and research functions of any university. Georgia Tech has seen a significant increase in applications this year and is expected to increase enrollment by a modest percentage next year. This increased enrollment places further strain on an already heavily stressed Faculty & Staff.

By GW

February 24, 2009 12:16 PM | Link to this

Furloughs are convenient because state employees can’t quit and get jobs elsewhere at this time. We are lucky our pay is not being cut without the days off. It is amazing how many bloggers don’t know who works for whom. Although they are government jobs, the post office folks and people at the tag office do not work for the state.

By GT_Staffer

February 24, 2009 12:17 PM | Link to this

As a side note, I recently saw a news report that our esteemed colleagues in Athens (UGA) have not laid off a single employee, and have no plans to do so in the future (UGA is the largest institution in the system and draws a higher percentage of its operating budget from the state than does Georgia Tech). On the other hand, Georgia Tech has laid off AT LEAST 49 employees (this accounts for the majority of the cuts for the entire University System) and has plans in the works for more cuts. Folks - we ARE re-engineering, by further increasing the workload of those who remain.

I am not going to try and guess at the numbers, since I would be painfully inaccurate, but everyone must consider the economic impact that highly regarded universities bring to the state and local communities. Both UGA and Georgia Tech are nationally and internationally recognized as excellent institutions. A good reputation is hard to get, hard to maintain, and very easy to lose. Let us all keep this in mind when we start talking about taking measures that may very likely jeopardize the stature of our fine academic institutions.

By ava

February 24, 2009 12:23 PM | Link to this

People, people, people! You don’t see that “Lateeshia” is a troll looking to stir things up? I’d lay heavy odds that s/he isn’t even black. You’re too easily taken in.

By John

February 24, 2009 12:25 PM | Link to this

MuttsRDummies must have had a child who didn’t get admitted to UGA.

By Cherri Brown

February 24, 2009 12:36 PM | Link to this

Two questions:

How many of the positions not filled, furloughed, or terminated have been or are being replaced by outsourcing? If such is the case, is the outsourcing to companies within Georgia or outside the state or our nation?

Would some of these agencies be able to fill some of these jobs with unpaid internships or, as in the case with some clinical work, using unpaid internships to help graduate students fulfill clinical or real-time requirements?

By Seagull

February 24, 2009 12:46 PM | Link to this

Lateesia, its people like you who give bad rep to minorities. Go F yourself btch!

By Jessica

February 24, 2009 12:46 PM | Link to this

Lateeshia, please let’s just stop this kind of talk. It is obvious you prefer to cling to your hatred of whites and see the world through racisim-tinted glasses on steroids. Only until people, EVERYone (no matter their color, etc.) decide to take charge and take personal accountability, people who think like you will always be filled to overflowing with pure hatred - no matter the color. Believe it or not Lateeshia, this goes both ways.

I just wish people would stop it! Actually, I wish people would pay attention to what Bill Cosby says. He’s one of the straightest shooters, he has common sense, he tells it like it is. Unfortunately however, a good portion of the audience to which his comments and thoughts are directed refuse to listen and pay attention because they wish to, again, cling to their hatred. They even lower themselves to the point of calling him (one of their own)…names. How adult.

I am sure it breaks his heart.

Something definitely needs to be done to help get the State/Country out of the financial mess. I have no idea what would be best, I have no idea how to run a state or the Country. I do, however, not believe what’s taking place in D.C. is the right direction. I wish I did have the solution but hoping and praying that Obama will “turn the tables” on whites certainly isn’t going to solve anything. Remember, he is after all half white and was raised by his white grandmother, in Hawaii no less. I pray for the Country every day. ALL of us.

By Cletus Snow

February 24, 2009 12:52 PM | Link to this

State offices are a cesspool of rolling eyes and Manicures, the state offices are waaay too easy. No one in private business could operate with these people.the majority couldn’t survive a week in a real world work place environment. Several year ago when DMV and drivers license examiners were being scrutinized they made a few changes to speed up the process, but right now it’s back to business as usual, long waits and rude people.Every 10 state workers could be replaced by 8 real world workers.with little or no effect. And by all means take the state credit cards away from the thieving scalawags, before they steal us into oblivion.

By Jayhawk

February 24, 2009 12:57 PM | Link to this

LAKRGRL…THANK YOU!!! Many times our attitude is what gets us where we are. I.E., if you show bad attitude, IF you are able to KEEP your job, you will NOT go far.

Personal accountability seems to be gone. I know Common Sense died about 10 years ago…perhaps longer…say the ‘60’s and ‘70’s?

When we, as human beings, can actually respect each other for who we are, this world would be a much better place to live. I have seen a certain trend where some folks seem to think they now have a license to be rude. Fine, I will be leaving Atlanta soon enough…you can have the city, and eventually you can have the State. I’m not from around here and I’ve had enough. Bye y’all, it’s been an experience and I’ve had enough! :-)

By Sterling

February 24, 2009 12:58 PM | Link to this

MuttsRDummies… spoken like the true idiot you are. I don’t understand why people try to show their “intelligence” by slamming a school that has turned out many truly great citizens and contributors to society. You hide behind a clever name like “MuttsRDummies” and make idiotic statements. If you’re truly concerned bout eh economy, you’d come up with something actually resembling a sensible statement.

By Jayhawk

February 24, 2009 12:59 PM | Link to this

By Please! Leteshia is obviously someone trying to portray himself/herself as an African American. Horrible attempt! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I SO hope you are right Please!…because it just seems to over-the-top, BUT, as with people of other races, there are those like “her”.

Off I go…….

By MaryK

February 24, 2009 1:11 PM | Link to this

Hey DHR Hubby,

I guess your wife offsets the person I know that works for Atlanta City schools. She’s late more times than not, goes to the mall while she should be working and leaves early when ever she gets the chance. THOSE are the employees that we complain about. Get rid of them, REWARD the ones that do a good job and maybe things will change for the good.

By Lateesha is a racist

February 24, 2009 1:13 PM | Link to this

Lateesha should be fired herself for being a racist. Why do we tolerate people like her in a public/state job? If you replaced the word white with black in what she says she would be out by the end of the day. People like her, black or white, are the problem.

The economy is in the toilet. The State is going to get less revenues. We have to cut expenses. It will be painful. Sorry, but it really is that simple.

By W. Brown

February 24, 2009 1:18 PM | Link to this

If the state has 100k employees, why are only 25k taking furloughs? If on avg a state employee makes $18/hr, that’s $144/ day. and you multiply that by 100,000…. that’s a nice piece of money to add back into the state budget. i’d imagine it’s not that simple but the logic isn’t that far off either.

Also, y do so many ppl bring race into every blog? last time I checked, EVERYONE is suffering in these hard economic times. and my last thought, y r so many people so quick to blame Bush and or Obama for this mess? Is it really that simple to point a finger at a president and say he did it?

By Cherri Brown

February 24, 2009 1:18 PM | Link to this

Quote: “By Ericisclueless

February 24, 2009 11:52 AM | Link to this

everytime he opens his mouth, educated people say “WHAT?”

You mean the college and post-baccalaureate educated demographics that Obama won?

Vote by Education Total Obama McCain Other/No Answer No High School (4%) 63% 35% 2% H.S. Graduate (20%) 52% 46% 2% Some College (31%) 51% 47% 2% College Graduate (28%) 50% 48% 2% Postgraduate (17%) 58% 40% 2% “

Hi, where did these stats come from? And do the correlate with general population education levels?

Thanks for reading my questions.

By publius

February 24, 2009 1:26 PM | Link to this

584 State Prosecutors are on furlough.

By Mark Arum

February 24, 2009 1:30 PM | Link to this

I think ALL of you people need to quit your whining and bellyaching and get back to work. How about actually DOING something to help get this country back on track? What a bunch of pathetic losers.

By Because It Matters

February 24, 2009 1:37 PM | Link to this

This state, and the country, are in economic crisis because of Republican policies. They were entrusted to run the national government as well as in many states, particularly in the South.

We were told that if we cut taxes for the wealthy and for business, revenue would grow, the economy would grow, and there would be lots of jobs.

Well they cut $2 Trillion dollars in taxes at the federal level and we all see how that has worked out. American workers worked their behinds off and productivity grew and profits skyrocketed. Funny thing though, working wages were flat, the job market stayed tight (unlike in the mid-late 90’s), and many of the few jobs that were created were of the low-paying variety.

Republicans also made deep cuts to government programs that goo to aid women, children, the poor, the elderly, the disabled, and education.

And this ideology that people who work for the government are bad, but people who work for corporations are efficient and motivated and super-duper productive is just plain false. Republicans have forgotten we are a self-governed nation and the people who work in government, do so on our behalf. If you don’t pay enough to attract the kind of talent you want in state government, then pay what it takes to get them, otherwise stop whining about service you really want, but are too cheap to pay for.

I pray for this great country. We have allowed resentment and racism, and pious moralism to rule the day while working people have gotten the shaft.

Shame on you Republicans who continue to blame everyone but yourselves for the state’s and country’s mess. Shame on you for always talking down some group of people. Shame on you for continuing to believe that you can eliminate social programs during hard economic times and maintain order.

Republicans, and those so called Yellow Dog Democrats, y’all need to get right with the man upstairs, millions are suffering because of you and you continue to worship your political ideology instead of following the path he wants us all to fall.

By lakeside

February 24, 2009 1:45 PM | Link to this

Not all employees need to be furloughed. Public safety need not to suffer. I know that I have been doing the job of two people and at one time three people. The other positions were vacant and were not filled. Most of the state employees that I talk to are running 15 to 20 percent vacancies with their local offices. If the remaining employees are furloughed, who is there to do any work or to provide law enforcement protection.

By Cut the crap

February 24, 2009 1:48 PM | Link to this

Having worked in State government for years . . there are a lot of areas that are duplicated . . i.e., in one agency there is office of rural health, office of women’s health, office of men’s health, office of minority health. And we have public health. Sure pull down all the federal money we can at the cost of what … the taxpayers. Matters not that “we” pay both federal taxes and state taxes.

By vietnam vet

February 24, 2009 1:54 PM | Link to this

Are Perdue and Cagle getting furloughed too. They should be.

By firethechancelor

February 24, 2009 2:01 PM | Link to this

The University System of Georgia continues the ‘smartsourcing’ of jobs and likely new location in Sandersville, GA. The Chancellor, the benevolent follower of Purdue’s outsourcing policies, has blindly followed suit.

If you don’t cross all the T(s) and dot all the I(s) in the contracts, you wind up spending much more. Unfortunately, the Chancellor has surrounded himself with yes men and women and will not listen to reason.

The BOR should be defunded for the waistfull spending that will result.

By shonsl

February 24, 2009 2:08 PM | Link to this

I am a state worker and it hurts to have a day taken away. I do not believe this affect you because of the color of your skin. I cannot afford the insurance. Gov. Perdue take the money and help the little people who work very hard and is very dedicated. I do not understand the way you are spending OUR funds but get it together. I am one leg away from being homeless with 2 kids. Thanks alot.

By J.D.

February 24, 2009 2:11 PM | Link to this

While it’s all fine and well that we’re saving money on the salaries by them taking the day off, the work is just getting pushed back another day.

If the State wants to make a fine example for others to follow, why don’t those same employees come in and work for FREE one day a month. I’m sure they’d volunteer to do that as opposed to possibly being sacked permanently.

Maybe that would provide enough of an example for others in the smaller governments and the private sector to do the same thing.

By tia

February 24, 2009 2:13 PM | Link to this

I don’t understand how someone can say that a State of GA employee is lazy. I work EVERYDAY.I rarely take leave-sick or person. I did not receive a raise this year, nor did I get a raise last year and won’t get one next year. Yet I continue to work,do my job with the limited resources the state provides and yet someone who doesn’t know me calls me lazy. How fair is it for me to work without a raise and then you want me to take a day off without pay? The commissoner of the lottery gave herself a 215,000 bonus. That amount could hire 4 new teachers at 30,000. The Gov. needs to actually what at the spending and what’s needed for the community. Is the fishing whole that was placed in Atlanta worth the millions that was spent on it. I would rather that money go to deserving people. I will be glad when his term is up. Like Bush, I feel for the next person because they will have a mess to clean up. You’ve got to get back the 100,000 State employess faith that’s been stepped on over and over.

By CommonSenseRules

February 24, 2009 2:15 PM | Link to this

The flat-earthers who run Georgia’s legislature are as stuck in amber as any fossils could be. They neither respect nor take seriously higher education in this state. HOPE? Please! Stuck in the mindset of 19th century farmers and small-town merchants, they consistently are penny wise and pound foolish. It is no wonder that GA fights for the 47th/50 ranking in educaton stats.

By TW

February 24, 2009 2:26 PM | Link to this

It’s only appropriate the butt face clowns of this red state feel the heat of the Bush Recession.

Wassamatter? Don’t support the toops?????????

By why not

February 24, 2009 2:26 PM | Link to this

I know: since Georgia is last in education, close all the schools: we can’t do any worse than last and think of all the money we save on teacher salaries!!

By HappyAmerican

February 24, 2009 2:36 PM | Link to this

All of you complain too much! For those of you who are state employees…be happy with the furloughs! At least you have a job to come back too the next day! For those of you who are still griping about the election…it’s over and done with! Wether you voted for Obama or not, he is our President, so you should just wish him the best and pray that God gives him guidance. For those of you who are disabled, or who live off of government money…you have absolutely no place to complain. No matter what put you in the position that you are in today, you are living on hard-working tax payer’s money, so do everyone a favor and just shut up. For those of you who voted for Obama, hated Bush, and are excited about all of the “free money” you are going to get now that Obama is in office…you are the reason our country is in the shape it is in. You are always looking for a handout, and won’t give up till you get one. If everyone would just suck it up, take the furlough days, and be thankful that we still live in a country where you have the freedom to say all of these hateful and pointless things that you put on these blogs all day, be thankful you have a government who cares enough about its employees that they want to find ways to keep them at work instead of laying them all off, be thankful that you have the money to afford the computer you are reading these articles on, be thankful you have clean air to breath, and be thankful you are “”able”” to enjoy all of these things, because there are so many places in this world where people aren’t so free, aren’t so fortunate with money, and people aren’t so healthy. Thank you! God Bless! Good luck President Obama, you are going to need it with all the spoiled gripers, and complainers you are going to be dealing with over the next 4 years. I wish you the best, I didn’t vote for you, but if you can get us through this mess and prove to be worthy of that position, then you will surely get my vote in the next election!

By Fishin Gov

February 24, 2009 2:44 PM | Link to this

Government employees don’t work. They just get paid. You could all stay at home and no one would miss you. Admit it.

GOV

By allyana ziolko

February 24, 2009 2:55 PM | Link to this

And Sonny is turning down money. Tisk…not being part of the country’s economic solutions is making Sonny part of the economic problem.

By Michael

February 24, 2009 3:00 PM | Link to this

If only the deep Red states like Georgia could get nothing AND have the F-22 Raptor jobs taken away, too. But dropping the Raptor would cause job loss in Ca. - a big Blue state.

By Melissa

February 24, 2009 3:12 PM | Link to this

I live in Louisiana with another republican governor who seems to be setting himself up for the next presidential election, also refusing the stimulus package, but we need to remember that no single man makes the laws or governs them, they have so many loopholes to slide in each persons own agenda, even republicans. My question to each man and woman, no matter your skin color or your political views, WHAT ARE WE CREATING FOR OUR CHILDREN? Do you really want to keep the hatred and foolish ways we treat one another to keep dividing our country? We need to come together and desire to see every household in our own country get ahead, sometimes just staying afloat. People sacrifice their lives for the opportunity to live in America, we are Americans, all of us. Be happy to have jobs, stop spending more than you make, and remember the golden rule, more than likely there is someone out there that would love to have your life, as I tell my children, I promise there are plenty of people that don’t have food to eat, a place they can call home, and most importantly a family that loves them So start at home. Stop teaching your children to hate skin and stop ranting in front of them, Lead by example. This is for all races. Obama did recieve my vote and I am an educated caucasian woman. He keeps telling us start with yourself, do something to change our future, volunteer, read at your childs school, help the old ladyh down your street, COME TOGETHER……….We all come from somewhere, only you can change where we are going!!!

By Linda1952

February 24, 2009 3:40 PM | Link to this

Eric from 10:o5 this morning.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart, finally someone who is willing to call it like it is.

I have tried a number of times on ajc blogs, but they dont seem to like what I have to say.

Keep up the excellent contributions because you are spot on about the certain someone in the WH

By prisonnurse

February 24, 2009 3:43 PM | Link to this

The State already has some employees working 4 10 hour days so that they can think that they are saving money. It really just makes the people who don’t get to work that schedule. The Correctional Officers that I work with get help over 3-4 times a month to work a double shift (with out overtime or comp time) so they are already giving their time for free. The nurses are working 12 hour shifts 5-6 days a week. Which day would we take off? We don’t have enough staff as it is because we can not fill the 15 open positions we have due to money issues. Nurses can’t get raises but inmates get cable tv and get to sit around all day doing nothing and thinking they should get everything given to them. That is why are county is in the mess it is in. NO ONE in entitled to anything! Get off your duff and go to work, go a great job and help move us forward!

By prisonnurse

February 24, 2009 3:43 PM | Link to this

The State already has some employees working 4 10 hour days so that they can think that they are saving money. It really just makes the people who don’t get to work that schedule. The Correctional Officers that I work with get help over 3-4 times a month to work a double shift (with out overtime or comp time) so they are already giving their time for free. The nurses are working 12 hour shifts 5-6 days a week. Which day would we take off? We don’t have enough staff as it is because we can not fill the 15 open positions we have due to money issues. Nurses can’t get raises but inmates get cable tv and get to sit around all day doing nothing and thinking they should get everything given to them. That is why are county is in the mess it is in. NO ONE in entitled to anything! Get off your duff and go to work, go a great job and help move us forward!

By katrina

February 24, 2009 4:08 PM | Link to this

To ByEric - George is that you????

By sam

February 24, 2009 4:19 PM | Link to this

For the record, I just wanted to point out, despite Chancellor Davis’ opposition to furloughs, staff members at Kennesaw State University were forced to take four of their paid vacation days during the New Year’s week so the university could shut down to save money. I believe that amounts to a furlough. I think many university faculty and staff people work very long hours and sacrifice personal and family time to make sure things get done. The e-mails I’ve received by the time I come in at 7 a.m., written at various times throughout the night, let’s me know some of us are always on duty.

By katrina

February 24, 2009 4:22 PM | Link to this

To Linda 1952 and Eric - Damn we thought most of the KKK had disbanned in Atlanta. Are your mothers sisters? Or Monica is that you trying to get in the WH through the back door again?

By Jessie H

February 24, 2009 4:23 PM | Link to this

Sunny Perdue won’t take money from the president for our state. With all the job losses that a big let down. We need a new Governor.

By Native Atlantan

February 24, 2009 4:26 PM | Link to this

Perhaps we could save State money by utilizing convict labor to repair and service state highways and roads via the chaingang concept utilized in the 1930’s. Let them work for their meals, lodging, and medical care.

As for the rest of us, the economic situation will become Darwinian in nature with the fittest comppanies and individuals with the highest skill levels surviving. The rest will suffer. Such is life.

By snewodawg

February 24, 2009 4:38 PM | Link to this

Preach on, Happy American! I’m glad to see someone has some sense on these blogs.

By Old Vet

February 24, 2009 4:51 PM | Link to this

Lazy a## and arrogant state workers losing a little pay? The Chattahooche will rise at least a foot from my tears.

By dp

February 24, 2009 4:59 PM | Link to this

As a DHR worker, I can tell all of you that I am proud to have my job,enjoy my work, and have always given much more time that I was paid on the clock for, even to the point of giving out my home number to clients and their family as needed to call after regular work hours. That said, I am also one of the those who is now having to telework, pay for their internet fees and equipment, and basically purchase my own office supplies to do my job due to budget cuts for a little over a year. I also have to maintain my own car and pay upfront for the gas to make those home visits. Given the expense that I incur to even have my job, and then the small pay check that barely meets my bills, I have wondered at times why anyone would want to work for the State. Then I remember that I made a life committment to helping others as best I could, and with the desire to leave something in this world more than my bank balance. I hate that workers in many of the State agencies are having to make sacrifices now, but would not change my job if I could. We all have to pay our bills and eat, but I have always felt that State workers are the ones who give of themselves to try to help people by providing a public safety net. I worry more about the shrinking resources to help those hungry and without electricity than us/the State Workers, as we still have a job and food for the table. And, I can honestly say, I have yet to go hungry or not manage to pay my bills though maybe not always having eveything I might want, not need. Let’s try to support each other and get thru this crisis.

By honeycloud

February 25, 2009 9:43 AM | Link to this

powerworker-State employees-don’t have it as good as you may assume they have it. If you take a motivated worker that comes to work everyday and has to use equipment that should have been updated 18 years ago, the manager that is suppose to know the job hasnt been trained because the budjet cuts wont allow time or money to hire anyone, top that off with your dept being understaff, you have been promised a pay raise for the last 3 years and your paycheck gets smaller and the insurance rates keep getting higher, motivation is going to dwindle. Most state workers are NOT lazy!! if you only knew how many unlogged hours we stay and work because we want to complete our work. we are forced to suffer in silence and just be glad to have a job. i can relate to the other blogger “dp” there was a time when anyone working as a state employee had it made but that is a thing of the past. We are feeling the recession like everyone else. we are nickle and dimed to capacity!!! The insurance benefits we have are shameful in comparision with the average company. Thats the little dark, ugly secret the governor doesn’t let the public know aboutthe next time you go into a state office and you see an overworked under paid person remember we are people too.

By BUDGET MAN

February 25, 2009 10:47 AM | Link to this

BUDGETMAN

Thank you
Bob, State Worker in IT, Grumpy, TC, GTStaffer, Dhj1962, Nypeach, LAKRGRL, Shonsl , Tia , CommonSenseRules, Melissa, DP

I’m listening to every bit and I wish we would say these things at the meetings and hearings. Elect honest people who won’t tie my hands, PLEASE!!! Just Remember “DON’T VOTE, DON’T BI#CH”

Keep up the good work DP and THANK YOU for your service, I wish I could do something to reward good employees like you.

By BUDGETMAN

February 25, 2009 11:12 AM | Link to this

Honeycloud your right, People who work for low paying government jobs do it because they want to make the world a better place and for the insurance. The current administrations Republicans and Democrats in this state are trying to privatize cut all benefits and skim retirement. Most of those contracts will go to their fishing buddies with no savings being passed back to the taxpayer. Most likely the taxpayer will pay more in the end to fix and bailout the contractor.

By BUDGETMAN

February 25, 2009 11:17 AM | Link to this

Okay I’m on my furlough day, everybody else get back to work! LOL Hang in their

By WorkingMan

February 25, 2009 1:00 PM | Link to this

Lateesha—you need to drop the race card. At my department, they are talking about a 10% staff cut and furloughs, along with pay reductions for people who don’t get axed! So much for the security of a gov’t job. I should have been a lawyer and make big money for doing nothing except suing people.

By professor

February 25, 2009 1:51 PM | Link to this

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again….go ahead and furlough me. If I am forced into this, your children will pay. Instead of taking the “non-teaching” (which most of you idiots presume to be non-working) day as a furlough day (which we were told to expect), I will cancel lectures and cost students that day’s tuition.

What a lot of you people aren’t getting is that USG employees have already paid the price with a 10% across the board hike in medical premiums. That translates to about $700 a year for my family. So take your whining “ohhhh those high paid academics should be penalized like everyone else” attitudes and shove them!

By not is scope GTA

February 25, 2009 3:18 PM | Link to this

Hey Lateeshia be grateful your are just getting a furlough day as opposed to those of us who are losing our jobs April 1. Stop b@tchin get the chip off your shoulder and figure out nobody owes you anything and get to work. The race card won’t work.

By DHR Daughter

February 25, 2009 4:13 PM | Link to this

I wonder if they’ll actually make my mother go home from work or if they’ll let her stay and work without compensation after hours and on weekends like they have for the past 20 years. Seriously furloughs are going to push, especially in DHR, to the breaking point. What most people don’t know is they’ve been understaffed and under a highering freeze for the past 5-10 years. At this point with more and more people coming in looking for help because they lost their job I know entire offices that have to come in on weekends and work until 8pm at night just to keep from being reprimanded because they just can’t complete the work. It’s too much for so few people. My mother hasn’t had a day off in months until she collapsed from pneumonia last week.

They refuse to help the workers and people do nothing but malign them when they don’t know the first thing about them or their job loads. I hate people that say they don’t care about state workers. They’re the first ones to cry foul anytime they need anything done.