Gov. Bob McDonnell wants state employees' ideas for plugging a $4.2 billion hole in the Virginia budget.
In his third e-mail to state workers since the election, McDonnell says he considers those who work for the taxpayers as part of a team -- "and if we work hard together with high expectations, supported by adequate resources, we can accomplish much."
McDonnell, again hinting at the prospect of more state-worker layoffs, said Cabinet secretaries and agency heads "will be in touch with you to discuss our plans and seek your ideas."
McDonnell press secretary Stacey Johnson said yesterday that McDonnell would welcome proposals from workers for erasing the shortfall and "ideas about anything to make the government run better."
Former Gov. Timothy M. Kaine's farewell budget included $2.3 billion in cuts. Even if McDonnell accepts them, he must find about $2 billion more.
A spokesman for the Virginia Governmental Employees Association did not return telephone calls or an e-mail seeking comment on the McDonnell message to workers Monday.
McDonnell only alludes to the likelihood of job cuts. Already, thousands of state workers have been let go because of the recession and its aftermath. More are likely to be shown the door.
"Tough decisions will need to be made in the months ahead to best prepare Virginia for a strong and prosperous future," McDonnell says.
The e-mail includes links to the Republican's inaugural address and his Jan. 18 speech to the General Assembly.
McDonnell's first e-mail, shortly before Christmas, suggested that layoffs are necessary.
His second e-mail extended best wishes for 2010 -- a year in which McDonnell and lawmakers are expected to enact spending reductions that could change the face of government dramatically.
Contact Jeff E. Schapiro at (804) 649-6814 or jschapiro@timesdispatch.com.
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