Governor's Weekly Radio Address - August 6, 2009 - Layoffs

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Aloha,

The State delivered Reduction in Force, or RIF notices, this week to 1,100 union employees who were previously notified their positions could be eliminated.

It is unfortunate we must take this difficult step to close the state's unprecedented budget shortfall. Furloughs are still my first choice to achieve labor savings. However, as a last resort, we must move forward with layoffs.

In order to realize additional labor savings, the State will furlough approximately 900 "exempt excluded", or non-union, employees for three days per month effective September 1, 2009. 

I empathize with our employees and understand these layoffs will have a significant impact on them and their families. 

Our state's deteriorating fiscal situation is not unique. Like many other states in the nation, the reality is that we simply cannot afford the size government we have today.

Mahalo. This is Governor Linda Lingle.