I got an email from a friend of mine who works in Information Technology:
I was riding in a van last night with a state worker (going to our sons’ soccer game). He said that the state workers are being “laid off” this time rather than furloughed like in 2005. Furlough means that they basically take time off without pay, which many businesses have done to prevent layoffs.
It makes sense, in many cases; give out unpaid “vacation” so that workers
Dayton wants layoffs so the state workers can immediately apply for unemployment benefits (benefiting the unions).
Not to mention pumping up the utilization of that state service, to plump up future budget requests.
It also means that from an IT perspective, they have to shutdown workers computer/system access, return their computers. Essentially follow all the normal steps if someone was laid off without the prospect of returning or if they had turned in their notice of resignation. Incredibly wasteful, given that it isn’t the intent to permanently get rid of the state workers.
The DFL wants to show the people of Minnesota who’s boss.
I called the governor’s office today (again) and said “Please tell Governor Dayton to quit lying about the budget. If the government shuts down, the responsibility will be his, and anyone with an IQ above room temperature knows it”.
It’s time to show the DFL who’s boss.
I think we need to hear more about “Critical Chef” and “Critical Gardener” down at “Critical Mansion”.