By AP/KWMU
Jefferson City, MO – Missouri government began the new year
today by eliminating 870 positions and cutting $67 million in planned spending.
In the latest reaction to a sluggish economy, most of the positions eliminated already are vacant. Figures from the stage
budget office this morning say only 96 employees are being laid off.
The cuts comprise a relatively small portion of Missouri's 65,000 member work force. But they affect almost all agencies
funded by the budget of almost $19 billion, which runs through June 30th.
Included in the cuts announced by budget director Linda Luebbering are 550 already-vacant positions in the state Department of Corrections. Another 88 jobs are being cut in the Department of Public Safety, including 48 resulting in layoffs.