University System of GA preparing for job cuts, furloughs as state looks to cut billions from budget

ATLANTA — State agencies were told Friday that they will need to prepare for a $3.5 billion budget cut for the upcoming fiscal years, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Gov. Brian Kemp’s budget office and the House and Senate budget committees sent a memo to agencies asking them to develop new spending proposals for fiscal 2021, which begins July 1. The amount they should expect to cut: 14%, no exceptions.

Those cuts include K-12 schools and the state college system.

For public schools, state spending cuts could bring higher property taxes in metro Atlanta to make up at least part of the shortfall.

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In a memo obtained by Channel 2 Action News from the Chancellor of the University System of Georgia, Steve Wrigley told employees there will be furloughs and layoffs in the coming weeks.

“Right now, institutions are only submitting plans to address the 14% reductions for FY21. It will be some time before we will know the specifics of these plans and how they will be implemented. Among actions that may be taken include furloughs and layoffs. Additionally, we are placing a hold on all vacant positions not deemed essential, and remain committed to a critical hire process for the few that are,” the memo said.

“The challenges thrown at us by the COVID-19 pandemic are unprecedented. The health and safety of our students and employees are our greatest priorities,” Wrigley said.

Across the board, state tax collections could be down $2 billion by the end of the current fiscal year, which finishes June 30, and some projections say the lasting economic slowdown will cut revenue by more than $3 billion in fiscal 2021, the AJC reported.

Lawmakers are expected to start working on the new budget in May and return June 11 to pass a spending plan.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution contributed to this article.

Governor says less Georgians are testing positive for coronavirus Kemp said he is committed to fighting the war on the coronavirus but also to help the economy recuperate.

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