Are You on “The List”? August 21, 2008

     Usually, I try to use this blog to get news out.   Right now, I want to use it to collect news.  The Department of Safety is supposed to be contacting the 182 people whose records were accessed by Trooper Ronnie Shirley.  That list is supposed to include state employees, journalists and a country star.  [...]

Trooper Investigation Update August 19, 2008

    If you didn’t already know about the investigation into accusations that THP Lieutenant Ronnie Shirley accessed a criminal database to dig up dirt on political enemies, then you haven’t watched the news or read the paper in a week.  
   This is the same trooper that fixed then-Deputy Governor Dave Cooley’s speeding ticket in 2004.  [...]

The Final Numbers August 11, 2008

     Well, August 11th is finally here.  I personally witnessed the call center calling up state employees to let them know that they were accepted into the VBP.  Here are the final numbers.
Applications Received: 2204
Applications Accepted:1521
Recurring Funds Saved Through VBP: $47.4 million
Recurring Funds The State Hoped to Save Through VBP: $64 million
Reserve Funds Used to [...]

2130 and Counting… August 6, 2008

   At the end of business yesterday, that is how many buyout applications the state received.  Since applications could be postmarked yesterday, there are probably still more on the way.  Over the course of the next few days, Commissioner Goetz and Commissioner Story will be sitting down with the other commissioners to review the buyout [...]

Layoffs Looking More and More Likely August 1, 2008

   Since the state started its voluntary buyout program, everyone knew there was the possibility of layoffs.  At the beginning, though, the state was optimistic more people than necessary would take the buyouts.  We have learned over the past two weeks that is not the case.  At this point, over 1800 applications have been submitted.  [...]

4 Days and Counting… August 1, 2008

    That’s according to the countdown clock on the state’s VBP website.  We are getting an update on the buyouts today.  I should have more information later in the afternoon.