33 state workers laid off due to budget crisis

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - The first layoffs to hit state government were announced on Friday.

Thirty three people received layoff notices in the Department of Administration. Some workers were given a two weeks notice and others are already out of work.

Phillip Giddens lost his job as the director of Greening the Government. As a 10-year state employee, he thought his position in the Department of Administration was secure.

When asked if he saw this coming, Giddens said, "No, not at all, not at all. There wasn't even a hint of it."

The 33 layoffs may just be the beginning. Other state agencies are still working on their budget cutting plans. Last week the governor mandated 10% reductions after learning that tax revenues were $300 million below projections in the first four months of the fiscal year. ( Click here to read more )

Then Governor Mitch Daniels (R-Indiana) said, "We've seen enough to know that new actions are necessary."

Mark Everson, commissioner of the Department of Administration said, "This is a regrettable but necessary action in today's difficult environment."

Everson said that in order to save 10% in the Department of Administration he had to make personnel cuts. He had already eliminated 17 positions through attrition.

"With this 33 we're down 19% since the start of the year," he said.

The governor’s press secretary Jane Jankowski said she doesn’t know if there will be other layoffs or not, she said it is up to the agency heads.

Today’s layoffs will save $1.6 million on an annual basis and $900,000 in this fiscal year.

Those laid off are told they will be placed at the top of the list when openings crop up.

But, Giddens said he isn’t holding hope that he’ll get his job back.

The layoffs will save $1.6 million a year and while more layoffs are likely in other state government agencies, there is also no guarantee that the Department of Administration won't have more.

A freeze on construction projects put some of its people out of work and a big portion of its budget goes to utility costs. They can't be cut.