Furloughs for state workers supported by Streamlining Commission

A cost-cutting commission wants state government to take a cue from private business and furlough state workers.

Without much discussion, the Commission on Streamlining Government on Tuesday endorsed a proposal that state government workers next year take four days off without pay.

Any furloughs would have to be approved by the state Department of Civil Service.

Commission members suggested furloughing all employees in a particular location on the same day to save on utility costs.

The commission also suggested prohibiting merit pay raises to state workers whose appraisal is rated "meets expectations" and lengthening the minimum probationary period for a newly hired state worker to two years instead of six months.