Green Volunteers for Furlough Program

Joining a growing list of Democratic colleagues, Louisville Metro Councilwoman Judy Green, D-1, and her staff will participate in the voluntary furlough program proposed by Mayor Greg Fischer to patch a $22.5 million hole in the city budget.The mayor proposed a mandatory week-long furlough for Metro Government employees who make over $70,000 a year. Persons who make less are being asked to voluntarily be a part of the effort."In these tough economic times, my staff and I want to make sure that no one is laid off and that we are able to help keep the essential services government provides to help our people," Green said in a new release.Last week, Councilman David James, D-6, was the first to step forward publicly, saying elected officials should make sacrifices in order to avoid layoffs and cuts to city services. Since then six other council members have volunteered to take a furlough to help fill the budget shortfall.The program would save the city $816 per council member if they reimburse Metro Government for the unpaid days.Thus far, no Republican members of the council have stepped forward to publicly volunteer for the mayor's program.