The possible furlough of perhaps thousands of state employees in Kansas is rapidly moving forward.
Just after noon Friday, state agencies and Board of Regents schools began sending out furlough notices to workers deemed nonessential.
The executive director of the Kansas Organization of State Employees, Rebecca Proctor, says union members from across the state have reported receiving notices.
“At our correctional facilities, corrections officers, for the most part, are essential," she said. "However, we’ve been told that some of the corrections counselors have been determined nonessential and have received furlough notices."
Proctor also said road crews from the Kansas Department of Transportation have been told to prepare for furloughs, as have all Alcohol Beverage Control agents in the Department of Revenue.
“I don’t think anyone has an idea of what the full impact of furloughs, if they happen, will be. Especially not our Legislature," she said.
Pittsburgh State University said it notified 280 employees that they are nonessential and if the Legislature hasn't reached a budget deal by Saturday night they will furloughed.
“This is a situation not of our making but we are all in it together,” university President Steve Scott said in a statement. “We are actively advocating in Topeka for our students, our employees and our families."
University of Kansas Provost Jeffery Vitter wrote a letter to KU faculty and students reiterating that summer classes will start Tuesday as scheduled even if furloughs happen.
Phone calls seeking comment from the Department of Revenue about ABC agents and KDOT about the status of road crews were not immediately returned.
