Governor makes plans to lay off as many as 750

Tom Fahey reports in the Union Leader that Governor John Lynch is moving forward with plans to lay off 750 state employees, following word that SEA leadership is recommending that its members reject the contract negotiated last week.

Lynch and his staff are working through proposals that department heads have made on how to cut jobs to save $25 million in state funds over the next two years. The savings are mandated in the state budget that took effect July 1.

"It has been the governor's preference that we achieve that saving through a well-structured furlough program, rather than laying off hundreds of state employees," Colin Manning, Lynch's press secretary, said.

The layoffs wouldn't go into effect if the contract is approved. But Lynch is right to prepare for the alternative.