At 2:35 p.m. State Treasurer Robert KLEINE notified state workers that they were being "placed on temporary layoff consistent" with collective bargaining agreements and Civil Service rules.
"Do not report to work beginning on Monday, Oct. 1, 2007, unless otherwise notified," wrote Kleine. "For additional information, go to www.Michigan.gov/mdcs.
"While the first steps to a government shutdown are now being taken, the governor continues to work around the clock to reach an agreement on a comprehensive solution that will prevent massive cuts to public safety, health care, and education," wrote Kleine. "When an agreement is reached, the Executive Office will notify news organizations, post a notice on www.Michigan.gov, and update a special hotline for state employees."
Regardless of what the board said this morning, the state must believe it has the legal right to do this.
Not a good sign, but had to be done today.
UPDATE: From the Detroit News comes this word-
Just 17,000 state employees would remain on the job, according to the notice. Among those who would continue to work would be 12,000 corrections officers and just 200, or one-fifth, of the 1,000 Michigan State Police troopers. State psychiatric hospitals would continue to be staffed.
Congratulations, Mike. You too, Andy. Maybe you want to take some votes now?