Budget crunch time

Once again it’s budget crunch time in the wonderful, vacationland of Maine. New governor, old message: State employees are going to take the hit again. Gov. King is genuinely sorry to inform us that we’ll have to take three furlough days now and into the next fiscal year, or face the permanent layoff of 100 employees.

I realize to non-state employees this might look like a fine idea, but remember a furlough day is not a vacation day, it’s a day without pay. While he was sorry to have to do this, though, the governor kindly noted that we had an occasional paid day off around the Christmas holidays. A little helping of guilt here anyone?

So, while everyone in Maine will take a hit in reducing costs and services, the lowly state employee gets a double-whammy. This was broadcast on a local radio station at 5 p.m. June 19. The governor e-mailed all state employees at 6:59 p.m. It would have been more appropriate if the timing had been reversed.

Nancy W. Worcester

St. Albans