In a step to address our fiscal crisis – a step that’s long overdue – unpaid work furloughs are coming to the Legislature this month.
And I am pleased to say that I am part of the 90 percent of state representatives who are voluntarily participating in this five-day program.
Of course, it’s unfortunate to have to tell staffers that they will be expected to forfeit several days of salary, especially around the holidays. Furloughs are not something for our state to necessarily celebrate or be proud of.
But as experience in the private sector shows us, furloughs are a responsible way to save money on administrative costs without forcing layoffs or jeopardizing quality of service. I have called for furloughs of state workers for several months now as a way to save our state money, and I support the plan for legislative furloughs. Legislative leaders recently announced the layoff of 28 staff members to save money. Without furloughs, layoffs likely would be much more prevalent.
I also believe that while furloughs are not being required of legislators (whose pay can’t be altered under the Constitution), taking a voluntary furlough is the right thing to do. That’s why I am opting to participate in the program and to voluntarily work without pay for five days this month. It’s the same attitude I had earlier this year when I refused to accept a $3,200 pay raise being offered to legislators. Solving our state’s fiscal problems takes leadership, and leading by example is an important part of that process.
We need to look at more alternatives like furloughs to address budget shortfalls in state government. It’s important to get our administrative expenses under control before we talk about cutting back programs and services that people depend on. Furloughs are one way to do that, and I support them.
What do you think? Please post a comment below.
