Report Says California Not Realizing Savings From Some Furloughs

Prison health care workers are reporting to work instead of taking mandatory furlough days because of staff shortages, significantly reducing the amount Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) had projected to save through the furloughs, according to a Senate report to be released today, the Los Angeles Times reports.

Clark Kelso, the court-appointed receiver for the prison health care system, said that he has relied on overtime and private doctors and nurses to help overcome the staffing shortages. 

As a result, the report indicates that the $108 million the state was projected to save through furloughs in the prison health care system has been eliminated.  The report adds that traditional prison health care workers are accumulating vacation and furlough time that will cost the state $37 million to $47 million in future years.

Kelso had requested a waiver from the furloughs, but his request was denied.

Rachel Cameron, a spokesperson for Gov. Schwarzenegger, said the administration would review the report (Goldmacher, Los Angeles Times, 10/14).