EmploymentCrossing.com

 

The state of Massachusetts will eliminate more than 1,000 jobs and cut its budget by more than $1 billion, in a bid to close a projected $1.4 billion shortfall, state officials have announced.

 

The reductions will be spread across almost all sectors of state government, including state university campuses and community colleges, health insurance programs, and dozens of social service programs from assistance for at-risk teenagers to services for the mentally ill and the elderly.

 

"With the economy slowing and state revenue declining, we have to act," Democratic Governor Deval Patrick said in a statement, adding that broader problems in the global economy were complicating the state's economy.

 

Wrestling with the nation's largest state debt burden on a per capita basis, Massachusetts will also tap $200 million in funds from its 1.8 billion reserve "rainy day" account to shore up its budget for the reminder of its fiscal 2009 year.

 

A spokesperson for the governor said the job reductions will come through a combination of layoffs, leaving open positions unfilled and encouraging current employees to retire.

 

Patrick unveiled his $28.2 billion fiscal 2009 budget just three months ago.

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