Federal Work Share Program Expected To Save RI Millions

PROVIDENCE, RI — As the Rhode Island faces the potential of an $800 million deficit in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, state workers are being asked to take part in the federal work share program to help cut costs. Gov. Gina Raimondo is leading the initiative with executive branch employees and is asking other government departments to follow suit.

"It is a way to save millions of taxpayer dollars quickly while avoiding layoffs and furloughs," Raimondo said.

Raimondo said the state anticipates more stimulus funds from the federal government, which will be instrumental in closing the budget gap.

"The deficit is bigger than anything we've seen before," Raimondo said. "It's hard to see a way out without federal stimulus."

The work share is part of the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security, or CARES, Act. Employees have their hours cut by 40 percent, or a reduction from five days in the office to three. On those days, they are paid their usual government-funded salary, and are eligible to collect money similar to unemployment insurance during the other two days. Until July 31, these employees will also qualify for the additional $600 per week provided by the stimulus bill.

Because the program runs from June 15 to Sept. 6, many employees will receive more than their usual salary until the end of July, then slightly less than usual after the $600 per week program ends, Director of Administration Brett Smiley said. All employees who opt into the program will be required to commit to the entire 12 weeks.

Smiley said the state hopes to see 25 to 50 percent participation in the program, which is voluntary. There are approximately 8,000 "core" executive branch employees, about half of whom will be eligible for the program. The goal, therefore, is to have 1,000 to 2,000 employees enrolled in the program. With 25 percent participation, the state will save about $5 million, Smiley said.

"It's not going to balance the budget, but it's a good start," Smiley said.

Other departments, including the General Assembly and legislative branch, are encouraged to join the initiative since balancing the budget is not just the responsibility of the executive branch, bu the entire state government, Raimondo said.