COLUMBUS (November 26, 2001) — The Ohio Department of Administrative Services (DAS) reported to Governor Bob Taft that Ohio has seen a decrease of more than 1,050 employees in its cabinet agencies since January 1999. “Ohio is facing a possible $1.5 billion budget deficit by 2003 due to a slowing economy,” Taft said. “When exploring options to balance our budget, we need to remember that cutting into our state agencies budgets more than we already have has an impact on peoples lives.” Since January 1999, the state saw an overall loss of 1,279 employees, or –3.97 percent, which was mitigated by the addition of 227 employees in corrections agencies. Ultimately, this results in a final net loss of 1,052 employees, or –2.10 percent, at the state cabinet level. According to DAS, most job reductions can be attributed to early layoffs and attrition. In October, the Departments of Job and Family Services, Mental Health, Rehabilitation & Corrections and Youth Services had the most significant decreases.