Chicago Shuts Down To Save Money
Government offices like this one are closed today. mason.flickr/Flickr/Creative Commons hide caption
Government offices like this one are closed today.
mason.flickr/Flickr/Creative CommonsNon-essential city services are closed in Chicago today. The city's public libraries, health clinics, town hall and other offices have been shut down as part of an effort to help balance the 2009 budget. Today's closure is one of three planned reduced-service days this year, the other two will be held the Friday after Thanksgiving and on Christmas Eve. The city expects the three reduced-service days to save $8.3 million.
"Every dollar we save from these measures helps to save jobs, and in the long-term, maintain service for Chicagoans," said Mayor Richard M. Daley. "This plan engages most civilian employees to accept cuts and to be part of the solution to our budget crisis. I want to thank them again for their sacrifice."
In addition to working without pay today, city workers have been asked to take six furlough days and six unpaid holidays this year. Mayor Richard M. Daley says the city is expecting a 2009 budget shortfall of between $250 million and $300 million.