State agencies try to avoid layoffs after cuts

Posted: 11.16.2008 at 1:30 PM

(AP) -- COLUMBIA, S.C.-- Heads of agencies across South Carolina say they are doing all they can to avoid laying off employees as the state cuts its budget by $488 million.

But some jobs have already been lost, and experts say more could be on the way.

The Department of Health and Human Services, which administers Medicaid, is planning to offer employees a voluntary furlough.

Spokesman Jeff Stensland told The State of Columbia that more furloughs could be coming if further budget cuts are needed, and furloughs could become mandatory if necessary.

The Department of Disabilities and Special Needs says employees have been notified of plans to eliminate 50 permanent positions from that agency's 2,500-person work force by the end of the year.