Mass. House orders staff - not member - furloughs

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By CBS 3 Springfield News

Story Published: Nov 20, 2009 at 6:29 PM EDT

Story Updated: Nov 20, 2009 at 6:29 PM EDT

BOSTON (AP) - House leaders are ordering their staff members to
take five furlough days, although lawmakers won't have to take them
themselves.

House Speaker Robert DeLeo and Minority Leader Bradley Jones of
North Reading said in a statement Friday furloughs for the 540
staffers will save the state $620,000.

They also highlighted other recent cuts, including discontinuing
reimbursement of Massachusetts Bar fees and staff business cards,
capping franking privileges and reducing cleaning costs.

But this week lawmakers rejected Gov. Deval Patrick's request
for authority so he could cut both legislative and judicial budgets
himself.

The furloughs don't apply to the 160 House members because their
salaries are set by constitutional amendment. They can only be
reduced voluntarily.

Next article Sen. Kerry Visits Springfield

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