Overview
- State officials say a file error discovered Oct. 20 led to duplicate payments to 293 participants in the Voluntary Separation Program.
- Impacted former employees were notified by email and phone to leave the funds untouched because the entire amount will be automatically debited.
- The administration says altering the payroll mid‑process risked broader disruption, so payments proceeded before recalls were initiated.
- If money is not returned in full, the state may use leave-balance payouts, standard collections, or tax refund intercepts to recover overpayments.
- The buyouts are part of a cost‑cutting plan approved by the Board of Public Works, covering 332 departures and more than 500 position eliminations, with projected savings of $10.5 million in FY2026 and $22 million in FY2027.