Department of Technology, Management and Budget officials have ended negotiations with state employee unions on concessions for the 2011-2012 fiscal year, which begins Saturday, October 1st. In so doing, the state will be implementing the contingency plans developed by budget and departmental officials to cover the needed $145 million.
The reforms within the Department of Corrections (see related article) reduce the number significantly, largely the reason the plan lacks a call for layoffs. The contingency plan is highlighted by leaving 367 vacant positions open and requiring all unionized employees to take at least four furlough days.
In addition to the Department of Corrections, four other departments will be impacted with cuts of more than $1 million: the Department of Human Services to the tune of $18.7 million, the Department of Community Health for $6.1 million, the Department of Treasury for $3.1 million, and Michigan State Police for $1.2 million.