How about a special lottery to keep Maryland government afloat?
That suggestion and others came pouring in yesterday after the Board of Public Works approved a $450 million budget-slashing plan that will leave 1,766 state government workers without jobs next month.
Just about every group hurt by the sweeping cuts has an idea about how to prevent them from taking effect in November. Various union leaders have recommended early retirements for state workers, furloughs and even pay cuts for State Police as possible solutions.
Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr. said he found some of the suggestions appealing during these "desperate times" of budget shortfalls. "Early retirements, furloughs and the elimination of contractual employees are methods utilized in other states," said Miller, D-Prince George's.
But the times appear likely to get worse.
Gov. William Donald Schaefer said the state faces still another $13 million budget shortfall because it collected less in sales taxes in August and September than expected. That could mean more cuts in the near future, he said.
Yesterday marked the fifth round of budget cuts during the past 13 months, as Maryland tries to cope with a nationwide recession.
The governor has said he will consider alternatives to yesterday's cuts, but some contend that he has not shown much interest in their money-saving ideas.
The State Police offered to accept pay cuts, furloughs or early retirements to save 83 troopers from losing their jobs, said Sgt. Patrick Drum Sr., president of the Maryland Troopers Association.
"For some reason, no one wanted to listen to our idea of saving dollars," Drum said. "It fell on deaf ears."
Late yesterday, 16 legislators from Howard and Prince George's counties sent a letter to the Board of Public Works that proposed alternatives to the $2.6 million in police cuts. Their suggestions included a 3 percent pay cut for troopers, furloughs and early retirement for troop commanders.
Schaefer, however, does not appear to be entertaining suggestions that would save a few jobs here or several programs there.
Schaefer "is open [to suggestions.] He's wide open. But it has to be a plan that addresses the big picture," said his spokesman, Frank Traynor.
The governor has hinted that residents and legislators alike should consider tax increases to address the long-term problem.
