Mon., Jan. 11, 2010
Otter would cut 400 state jobs
"My budget eliminates more than 400 positions throughout state government - including about 375 that are now vacant, and consolidates some agency operations," Gov. Butch Otter told lawmakers. Twenty-five existing jobs at the state Department of Parks & Recreation would be eliminated as the department is abolished and combined with the state Department of Lands; however, Otter's budget allows for keeping the Parks Department in place if non-general funds can be identified to operate it. His budget also calls for a four-year phase-out of state general funds for Idaho Public Television and six smaller agencies, including the Human Rights Commission, the Hispanic Commission, and the Digital Learning Academy. The agencies wouldn't be eliminated; instead, they'd operate with other funds.