State agencies are being told to tighten their belts even more.
The Department of Administration had directed state agencies to cut at least 10-percent from their operational budgets before the state's next fiscal year. But a memo from DOA Secretary Michael Morgan says now they'll need to shoot below that level.
Morgan cites a projected $5 billion state budget deficit and the weak economy as reasons for further cuts.
State agencies were expected to submit their budget reduction plans by November 17th, but Morgan says that deadline is being set aside. Instead, he says the DOA will contact agency heads to discuss what cuts they can make.
The Governor is expected to submit his budget for the next biennium early next year.