Adam Wilson

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Adam Wilson expounds on Washington state government, workers and politics. Wilson began covering those issues for the Olympian in 2004. He can be reached at: awilson@theolympian.com.

State Workers get the bad news -- in Tennessee

• Published May 08, 2008

  • 0 comments

Down near Nashville, the governor plans to lay off 2,011 state employees, equivalent to 5 percent of the state workforce. The layoffs will be voluntary buy-outs, forced by a budget crunch similar to those in many other states, according to the Associated Press.

The story nicely summarizes the national news so far:

More than half the states are experiencing budget shortfalls. Under state constitutions, most can't borrow money or run a deficit, making spending cuts a necessity. That has brought hiring limits and freezes in states from California to Maryland.

Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland has announced spending cuts that could lead to about 2,700 of the state's 60,000-plus workers to lose their jobs. Rhode Island Gov. Don Carcieri last week signed a revised spending plan that includes a provision to make state employees who retire after Sept. 1 pay more for their health insurance — a change that state officials say could prompt about 2,500 state workers to leave before the deadline.

In New Jersey, Gov. Jon S. Corzine is proposing to cut 3,000 state jobs through early retirement incentives and layoffs. The state's commerce and personnel departments would be eliminated.

Don’t blame me. I spent some of that economic stimulus money that Uncle Sam forked over to sample some of Tennessee’s sour mash. It lost out in a taste-test, however, to the a product of northern neighbor Kentucky.

How are you staving off (or shortening?) a recession? A co-worker noted I could have purchased some ginseng; it’s from Wisconsin. > And, of course, Rep. Brian Baird has already given us his suggestion.

Similar stories:

  • 83 park rangers will get pink slips next week

  • UPDATE - Democrats' budget due at 9 a.m.; revenue is question

  • Big budget cuts were avoided; some still will experience pain

  • Proposal would change initiatives

  • Update - House Democrats lay out ‘new’ budget; GOP reacts

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