About 23,600 state employees will be taking up to four furlough days before the end of the fiscal year, the governor’s office announced Tuesday.
The number of furlough days will be dependent on an employee’s salary and will not affect workers who make $50,000 or less. Employees making up to $70,000 will take one day, and those who make $140,000 or more will take four. Those taking the days include the governor and lieutenant governor.
Other employees who are exempt include those providing necessary services during the pandemic and those in public safety.
“Colorado is facing one of the most challenging economic crises in our history, and public agencies are facing difficult budget constraints,” Gov. Jared Polis said in a news release. “Just as the private sector is tightening its belt, so too must the government. This thoughtful furlough plan helps address the state’s budget shortfall while ensuring that our lower wage workers are not impacted and we can continue to deliver high quality critical services for Coloradans.”
Most state offices will also be closed the Friday after Thanksgiving to reduce furlough effects, according to the announcement.
The governor’s office expects the furloughs to save between $7 million and $8 million, according to spokesperson Shelby Wieman.
