In brief: State workers will be furloughed today

Many Washington state workers will take today off without pay for the second scheduled furlough day forced by budget problems.

The Legislature passed a bill in April requiring many state agencies, boards and commissions to have workers take 10 days off without pay through June 2011 to help ease a projected budget shortfall. Certain jobs that support public safety or public health, or generate revenue for the state, are exempt.

That means that while State Patrol offices will be closed, troopers will still be on the roads. Department of Corrections offices will be closed, but corrections officers will be on duty at state institutions. Child protective workers will be on the job, although many Department of Social and Health Services offices will be closed. The Liquor Control Board offices are closed; state liquor stores are open regular hours.

The next furlough is Sept. 7.