From Governor Patrick.

Dear Colleague:

Today, I announced that state government continues to have serious budget problems. I know these challenges have had a significant impact on our state. Most are into or past your second year since your last cost of living adjustment. Some of your co-workers have been laid off. Everyone is having to make due with less.

In order to close the latest gap, we are using a series of difficult cuts, efficiencies, discretionary federal recovery dollars, the elimination of 750 jobs, and furloughs for managers in state government. For those making between $50,000 and $75,000, there is a mandatory 3-day furlough before the end of the fiscal year, June 30. For managers making more than $75,000, there is a 5-day mandatory furlough. The Lieutenant Governor and I will take 5-day furloughs as well. Employees making less than $50,000 will not be subject to furloughs.

I want to acknowledge that some state employees, a large majority of them at Health and Human Services, have already participated in an agency-wide furlough program since October. I want to thank you for your sacrifice, and assure you that today’s initiative will not result in a double-furlough for you. If you took the required 3 or 5 unpaid days already this fiscal year, no further furloughs are required. Please check with your agency head for additional details about your specific case. You can read the full details of the plan here.

Over the next several weeks you will hear of discussions at the collective bargaining table, as the Administration seeks to work with state employee bargaining representatives to fashion the fairest possible solutions to these ongoing challenges. I am committed to the principles of equitable treatment and shared sacrifice, and I look forward to working with you in meeting these challenges and positioning the Commonwealth for a prolonged period of growth and prosperity. Together I am confident that we can make this promise a reality.

I know that, like working people all across this Commonwealth, many of you and your families are already struggling to hold on and that today’s announcement will add to your anxiety. Unfortunately, we have no good options. Nonetheless I do want you to know that I appreciate you and the extraordinary work you do every day on behalf of the people of the Commonwealth. If you lean on each other and work with me, if you give me your ideas and good counsel just as you give the public your dedicated service, we will get through this together and state government will be the better for it.

Thank you for your understanding, your partnership and your sacrifice.