RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe is planning to lay off 565 state workers and raise the prices of distilled spirits at state-owned liquor stores as he aims to close a state budget shortfall.
McAuliffe detailed his plans Wednesday as part of an effort by state officials to bridge a $2.4 billion budget gap.
McAuliffe said most of the layoffs would come from the Department of Corrections, which will close multiple facilities. It also will delay the opening of a women's correctional center.
The governor said he also plans to sell one of the Virginia State Police's planes and not fill 27 out of 68 vacant state trooper positions.
McAuliffe said the budget cuts were the most difficult experience of his term so far but called the plan a sensible approach.
