Judge allows Schwarzenegger to furlough workers

A state court has ordered government officials to immediately implement Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s executive order requiring state employees take two days off without pay each month, denying claims by unions and the state controller that the order is illegal. The decision by Sacramento Superior Court Patrick Marlette clears the way for 238,000 state employees to be furloughed on the first and third Fridays of each month starting Feb. 6. Marlette said in his ruling that the governor has the authority to implement such cuts during an emergency. – From LA Times

A Sacramento County Superior Court judge on Thursday gave Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger a victory in his attempt to deal with California’s budget deficit, ruling that he has authority to furlough tens of thousands of state workers. The order forcing government employees to take off two days a month without pay is scheduled to start Feb. 6. It would apply to 238,000 workers, although many of those would be exempt. – From SFgate.com

The ruling means state employees will be taking unpaid leave on the first and third Fridays of each month, starting next week. The Times says the furloughs equate to a 9% pay cut and will save the state $1.3 billion through June 30, 2010. The bad news comes in a state already promising to issue IOUs instead of state income tax refunds starting next week. – From USA Today