State workers facing layoffs

ANNAPOLIS — Gov. Martin O’Malley said yesterday that he will trim the state budget by $200 million by imposing layoffs and cutting overtime for state employees.

“The reality is some layoffs will be necessary,” said Mr. O’Malley, a Democrat. “Where they will be, I don’t know yet.”

Mr. O’Malley ordered his Cabinet to reduce work force costs, look for savings in government purchases and help consolidate redundant boards and commissions.

Maryland faces a $1.5 billion structural deficit next year.

Agencies will receive budget reduction targets that will average 2.5 percent across state government.

Mr. O’Malley said he expects Cabinet members to have answers for him within 30 days.

Republican lawmakers said the budget cuts are a prelude to a call for tax increases.

“Last week, you’re saying you’re going to freeze tuition again, and now you’re telling other people their jobs are on the line,” said Senate Minority Leader David R. Brinkley, Frederick Republican. “It’s the first wave; there’s going to be lots of pain.”

Delegate Anthony J. O’Donnell, Calvert County Republican, called the proposed cuts “woefully inadequate” and questioned where the O’Malley administration would find the rest of the money.

“Unless they’re planing on massive tax increases, I would say it’s too little, too late, woefully inadequate and maybe just window dressing,” he said.

The governor has been criticized for failing to address the deficit during his first General Assembly session.

Among the options were government cuts, tax increases and the legalization of slot machines to generate revenue. Instead of negotiating a long-term fix, Mr. O’Malley chose to transfer $1.2 billion from state reserves.

The governor did not say yesterday whether he would call state lawmakers to Annapolis for a special General Assembly session.

The overtime cuts and layoffs will hit one of Mr. O’Malley’s strongest supporters: organized labor.

Mr. O’Malley said he has not talked with the state’s union leaders but thinks they will support his decision.

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