RE “CAHILL asserts Patrick failed budget test: Treasurer says his advice on shortfall unheeded’’ (Metro, Oct. 22): State Treasurer Timothy Cahill asserts that he knows of no state employees who have been laid off. His assertion demonstrates a lack of knowledge about what is happening in state service.
In the spring, the Department of Mental Health laid off 110 case managers. In addition, the DMH has many unfilled direct care positions. Two hundred beds are in the process of closing within the department, which could result in more job losses. It sounds as if the treasurer might be happy to hear that. His suggestion that more should be cut from the executive branch before spending on local aid is reduced demonstrates an ongoing desire to try to solve this fiscal crisis on the backs of some of our most vulnerable citizens.
Here’s an idea: Let’s ask that the heads of all state agencies reduce their administrative staffs by 10 to 20 percent. Let’s ask legislators to reduce their staffs. Let’s get the governor to reduce his office staff. In state agencies there appear to be more people who review than actually do. Let’s reduce the reviewers and let those providing the service continue to provide it.
Rhonda J. Bourne
Waltham 
