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Budget cuts test state personnel policies
Forced to dramatically cut payrolls, some states are finding low-cost ways to boost employee morale, even as they struggle to maintain basic human resource functions such as training, recruiting, hiring and regular performance reviews.
Cities, states wrangle over cuts to local aid
In Minnesota, Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty's cuts in state funding to local government forced cities and counties to consider their own round of layoffs, furloughs and benefit freezes. State reductions were so troubling in Massachusetts that three cities are now deciding whether to cancel their primary elections to conserve cash.
Budget cuts drive states’ DMV changes
Drivers going to the department of motor vehicles will likely face longer lines and higher service fees in several states as recession-ravaged budgets force the shutdown of branch offices, a reduced work force and the need to raise revenue.
Auto Theft Authority jeopardized by cuts of $1M in 2010
If the latest budget proposal passes, the Arizona Automobile Theft Authority will have to operate without roughly two-thirds of its annual state funding. The Legislature reduces that agency's budget by $1 million in its fiscal 2010 budget plan.
AG lays off 29, expects to save $2M
Twenty-nine employees of the Arizona Attorney General's Office will be out of a job by the end of the month. In a press release sent July 20, Attorney General Terry Goddard noted that twelve attorneys and 17 supporting staff members would be trimmed from the office. Criminal investigator positions were not affected.
Governor’s budget plan saves universities from debilitating cuts
I graduated from Arizona State University's College of Business and am the owner of a commercial construction company. Because of my strong belief in the benefits of a well-educated work force to the business community, I have served on the ASU Foundation Board and now on the ASU Board of Trustees.
Budget cuts for everybody – almost
Although nearly every level of state government is facing a spending cut as the state grapples with a more than $3 billion deficit, those responsible for crafting the budget didn't think the time was right to give themselves a haircut.
Brewer and ‘stakeholders’ pick apart Legislature’s budget
Lawmakers said they wanted more time to negotiate with the governor when they declined to send their budget package to Jan Brewer's desk. Those negotiations continue, but Brewer is using the extra time to take aim at the myriad provisions of that budget that she considers unacceptable.
Brewer concerned lawmakers’ budget could jeopardize stimulus money
Gov. Jan Brewer said the budget package passed by the Legislature may jeopardize federal stimulus money Arizona is receiving for education and health care.
Cuts in Ariz. disabled services remain in force
The Arizona Supreme Court has refused to block the state from implementing budget cuts in services for thousands of developmentally disabled people.
State Supreme Court asked to intervene in suit against DES
The Department of Economic Security may be forced to roll back millions of dollars in budget cuts to health care programs serving the state's disabled population if the Arizona Supreme Court agrees to hear a lawsuit filed against the department earlier this year.
Senate panel passes FY10 budget after 9-hour debate; changes expected
With about six weeks to go before the fiscal year ends, a Senate panel hunkered down late into the night on May 20 to approve a spending packet that solved a $3 billion deficit in next year's budget.
