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Iowa Officials Predict 1,000 State Layoffs

By Becky Ogann

Story Created: Oct 15, 2009 at 9:27 AM CST

Story Updated: Oct 15, 2009 at 9:27 AM CST

DES MOINES (AP) - Officials say budget cuts ordered by Gov. Chet Culver will force layoffs of at least 1,000 state workers, and that number could go far higher.

Asked Thursday about the job reductions, House Speaker Pat Murphy predicted that when cuts by Iowa's public university system are added in that from 1,500 to 2,000 employees would lose their jobs.

Officials say the job cuts will be felt in a variety of way, from likely slowing collection of child support payments to reducing the length of the legislative session beginning in January from 100 days to 80 days.

Culver spokesman Phil Roeder says the governor had no choice because of a dramatic drop in tax revenue this fall.

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