In an effort to help cut down on D.C.’s massive budget deficit, Mayor Vincent Gray will join 32,000 other city workers on four unpaid furlough days.
The mayor signed a waiver to forgoe compensation for Presidents Day on February 21, D.C. Emancipation Day on April 15, Memorial Day and July 4. The four days are part of The Balanced Budget Holiday Furlough Emergency Act of 2011.
“Like other employees, I believe it is only fair that I too share the sacrifice,” Gray said in a statement. “It’s the right thing to do. In these challenging times, we all must be willing to share the burden and shoulder the responsibility when public interest demands it.”
The furloughs are expected to save the city close to $20 million, which is crucial, since the District is battling a deficit estimated at $600 million.
Police, fire and EMS crews are exempt from the unpaid furlough.
