Some State Hospital Employees Lose Jobs
Published Date: 07-16-2008 06:38 PM CT
Employees at the Minnesota Security Hospital in St. Peter are finding out today if they're being laid off... and those who are out of a job are speaking out. Overspending within the Minnesota Department of Human Services is the cause of at least 63 lay - offs... the cuts are at the expense of the St. Peter facility, which houses mentally ill patients who are considered dangerous to themselves and the public.Audra Waylett received her notification today that she will be one of the employees laid - off, Audra works as a security counselor in the sex offender program and says today's meeting is to provide insight into their situation.Audra Waylett says, "Our first priority is maintaining the safety and security of the workers and the community that people understand exactly who it is we have at the St. Peter Regional Treatment Facility."Union members are speaking out about the layoff letters they received today, many are concerned about being unemployed in this dire economy.Jodi Weller says, "It's very frustrating I have three children and my husband of course, I'm a big part of the income and I don't know where it's going to come from."Department officials are responding saying, the job cuts will in no way compromise the security of the facility or the community.Wes Kooistra says, "If there's a suggestion that this change compromises security or treatment in an way it's not true."The state's Department of Human Services says they are doing everything they can to help those who are being laid off... but those who are out of a job argue it's just not enough....We'll have more on this story and hear from residents concerned for their safety tonight on the Fox Mankato News at Nine.
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