La. gov's plan to fix $341M budget gap has layoffs

[Pale Blue Dot]

Source: Forbes

Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal's plan to close a $341 million budget gap will cost at least 335 state employees their jobs - largely in the Department of Corrections - but many could simply be reshuffled to other state employment.

Corrections Secretary Jimmy LeBlanc said he believes many laid off employees could be rehired for other positions, particularly guard jobs at state prisons, where openings are frequent because turnover is high.

"We're going to do everything we can to try to avoid anybody losing a job, at least trying to help them find jobs in another area," LeBlanc said in an interview Monday.

The number of layoffs could grow if statewide elected officials and public colleges choose to cut staff to cope with budget reductions in the fiscal year that ends June 30.

Jindal can make some of the budget cuts, but the Legislature's joint budget committee must approve the rest. The committee meets Friday to vote on the governor's proposal

Read more: http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2009/01/06/ap5884505.html

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This is going on in state governments all over the country right now.