We've been calling the state constitutional officers to see if any plan to furlough their employees next month in keeping with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's new executive order. All have refused earlier furlough orders, citing what they believe is their constitutional independence to control their own employees.
In response to our query, Department of Education information officer Tina Jung sent over a recent e-mail to all staff from Jack O'Connell, state superintendent of public instruction:
From: Jack O'Connell
Sent: Wednesday, July 28, 2010 4:52 PM
Subject: Furlough Update 7/28/10As you may be aware, the Governor issued an executive order today to place represented employees for most state government agencies on a 3-day-per-month furlough and a DPA-adopted plan to implement a furlough or salary reduction for all non-represented employees (including supervisors, managers, exempts) starting August 1, 2010 and continuing until a budget is approved. We are reviewing the executive order for implications for CDE, but the language appears to be similar to the previous furlough executive orders. Be assured that I maintain my opposition to furloughs for our hardworking staff.
I know we all remain aware of and concerned about the serious state budget crisis. To that end, I want to stress that we continue our vigilance in cutting costs and conserving funds wherever we can. We have, in fact, taken a cut equivalent to 24 furlough days to date and continue to remind the Governor and Legislature of this at every turn.
In the meantime, negotiations continue between the Governor and the unions that represent state employees. A final budget agreement negotiated by the Governor and the Legislature could still include furloughs or salary reductions for all state employees, including those who work at the CDE. I will continue to keep you apprised of any developments that could affect your work schedule or your compensation.
Thank you, as always for your professionalism and dedication during these very challenging times.
IMAGE: State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell addresses students at a Save Me A Place in College event on the south steps of the California State Capitol. July 29, 2009 / José Luis Villegas, Sacramento Bee
The Author
About Comments
Reader comments on Sacbee.com are the opinions of the writer, not The Sacramento Bee. If you see an objectionable comment, click the "report abuse" button below it. We will delete comments containing inappropriate links, obscenities, hate speech, and personal attacks. Flagrant or repeat violators will be banned. See more about comments here.