Late Thursday evening Gov. Linda Lingle issued the following statement.
For Immediate Release:  July 2, 2009

GOVERNOR LINGLE TO CONTINUE NEGOTIATIONS FOR LABOR SAVINGS; SEEKS ADDITIONAL CUTS FROM DEPARTMENTS

HONOLULU – Governor Linda Lingle said tonight that she and her cabinet will be working late into the night and through the weekend to plan the next steps following today’s court ruling on her furlough plan.

“Today’s decision by Judge Sakamoto did not change the state’s fiscal situation.  We still face at least a $730 million shortfall that will likely grow larger when year-end tax collections are finalized next week.  In addition, the shortfall could grow again when the Council on Revenues meets in September.  While we have already cut $2 billion in spending, the fact is we simply cannot afford the government we have now.

“We will be working on two tracks throughout the weekend to close the budget shortfall.  We will continue to negotiate labor contracts to achieve the savings we need to secure a balanced budget, as required by our constitution.  

“We also will be continuing to identify additional savings from all state departments.

“I continue to believe that we must approach this unprecedented fiscal challenge with a sense of shared sacrifice in the short-term, while remaining focused on our long-term economic future.”

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For more information, contact:

Lenny Klompus
Senior Advisor – Communications
Phone: (808) 586-7708

Russell Pang
Chief of Media Relations
Phone: (808) 586-0043ess release: