Nation IN BRIEF : CONNECTICUT : Layoff Order Hits 2,600 State Workers

Connecticut Gov. Lowell P. Weicker Jr. ordered a number of severe cost-cutting measures. They include laying off 2,600 state employees, shutting down many agencies two days a month, altering pensions, deferring a class of police academy graduates and delaying the opening of a new prison. Layoff notices were to be sent out starting today. Weicker hoped to save $276 million as Connecticut’s budget deficit continued to swell. He has proposed a 6% personal state income tax to balance the budget. Also, he would lower the state sales tax from 8% to 4.25%, but extend it to gasoline and many other items now exempt.