Post: Proposed furlough program begins circulation

A new furlough proposal from Gov. Martin O'Malley (D-Baltimore) began circulation this week, according to The Washington Post.

The proposed furlough plan would require most state employees to take an unpaid leave of absence from two to five days by June and is projected to save approximately $34 million.

According to the Post, O'Malley confirmed to reporters yesterday that the proposed furlough program is expected to be part of a new round of mid-year budget cuts, expected to reach $200 million.

"They're part of it," O'Malley said, according to the Post. "It's a matter of when and how long."

The plan began circulating among labor union leaders on Wednesday, reports the Post, and proposes an additional two to three days of absence for employees making over $40,000.

The governor's program can be approved with or without the backing of state Unions, but irritating Union officials could potentially alienate one of O'Malley's key constituencies.

Patrick Moran the director of Maryland AFSCME -- the Union that represents the largest number of state workers -- told the Post that the proposal is nothing more than that.

"We have not negotiated anything," Moran told the Post. "This is merely a proposal."