GOV. RITTER ANNOUNCES FOUR ADDITIONAL FURLOUGH DAYS

With the global economic downturn continuing to impact state government, Gov. Bill Ritter announced today that state employees will be taking four additional unpaid furlough days in the current fiscal year, bringing the total number to eight.


About 15,500 employees already have taken two furlough days, Sept. 8 and Oct. 9, with two more days scheduled for Nov. 27 and Dec. 31. The new days, all Fridays, will be Jan. 15, Feb. 12, April 2 and May 28. Many government offices will be closed those days.

The eight closure days will save about $27.2 million in FY09-10, which started July 1 and ends June 30.

“Businesses and families all across Colorado are tightening their belts and making tough decisions,” Gov. Ritter said. “So is state government. We’re streamlining services, cutting spending and finding smarter, less expensive and more efficient ways of doing business and serving the public. I understand these furlough days will be a hardship on employees and their families, and on those who rely on the services that state employees provide.

“But these difficult economic times demand this sacrifice from all of us – and state employees are stepping up and sharing in the sacrifices that all families and all businesses are making,” Gov. Ritter said. “These furlough days are just one of many tough choices we will be making over the coming year to keep the budget balanced in a fair and responsible way.

“While the recession has slowed us down, it hasn't stopped us. Colorado is faring better than many other states. and by working together, Colorado will emerge from this downturn quicker, stronger and healthier.”

Over the past year, the global recession has forced Gov. Ritter and lawmakers to close budget shortfalls of about $1.8 billion.

Gov. Ritter will present the legislature’s Joint Budget Committee with a plan to close an additional $270 million shortfall at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday.