New Hampshire is looking to layoffs as a way to combat the deficit in their budget. Governor John Lynch announced that not only will the state be laying off 300 workers, but they will be closing a prison, courts, as well as some liquor stores.

“These extraordinary times demand that all of us come to the table together to serve our families,” said Lynch. “If you disagree with something in this proposal, I respect that. But it is not enough to simply say no or to criticize. We all have a responsibility to come to the table with solutions.”

According to Lynch, New Hampshire is facing a a $550 million budget gap for the next two years, beginning in July.

The 300 state workers is a staggering 2.5% of the state’s total 11,500 employees. Most of the layoffs will occur in the department of corrections, health and human services, safety and cultural affairs.

“Laying off an employee in one part of an agency may mean bumping another employee, with critical skills and knowledge, in a different part of the agency,” said Lynch.

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