Post by Star report on Nov 15, 2009 16:28:17 GMT -5
Some state workers are jobless, but others will go to Vegas
As the state Department of Administration laid off 33 employees Friday, some wondered why other options weren't chosen Gov. Mitch Daniels has told state agencies they can ask workers to take a voluntary furlough. Phillip Giddens, who was laid off as director of its "Greening the Government" initiative, and others questioned why the state didn't opt for mandatory furloughs and spread the pain among all workers.
Mark W. Everson, department commissioner, said the two biggest costs are utilities and personnel, and utilities are fixed: "Given that, we felt we needed to do this."
Other state employees pointed to expenditures they think are inappropriate in this economy, including a Las Vegas trip for three members of the Indiana Gaming Commission.
Ernie Yelton, executive director of the commission, said he, his deputy director and general counsel will attend the Global Gaming Exposition next week. He called it the "ultimate trade show for gaming," an important chance to get acquainted with new gaming devices and issues.
Before, he said, he would have taken more staff and attended more events. "I have no hesitation in justifying this trip," Yelton said.
He did not have a total estimate for the four-night trip's cost, but said the flights cost about $220 and hotel rooms are less than $100 per night.
As the state Department of Administration laid off 33 employees Friday, some wondered why other options weren't chosen Gov. Mitch Daniels has told state agencies they can ask workers to take a voluntary furlough. Phillip Giddens, who was laid off as director of its "Greening the Government" initiative, and others questioned why the state didn't opt for mandatory furloughs and spread the pain among all workers.
Mark W. Everson, department commissioner, said the two biggest costs are utilities and personnel, and utilities are fixed: "Given that, we felt we needed to do this."
Other state employees pointed to expenditures they think are inappropriate in this economy, including a Las Vegas trip for three members of the Indiana Gaming Commission.
Ernie Yelton, executive director of the commission, said he, his deputy director and general counsel will attend the Global Gaming Exposition next week. He called it the "ultimate trade show for gaming," an important chance to get acquainted with new gaming devices and issues.
Before, he said, he would have taken more staff and attended more events. "I have no hesitation in justifying this trip," Yelton said.
He did not have a total estimate for the four-night trip's cost, but said the flights cost about $220 and hotel rooms are less than $100 per night.