Layoffs coming in comptroller's office

SPRINGFIELD - Illinois Comptroller Dan Hynes plans to lay off employees and has instituted unpaid days off and a hiring freeze to deal with budget cuts.

Hynes spokeswoman Carol Knowles says the number of layoffs hasn't been determined, but the office's personnel budget has been reduced by $1 million.

Non-union employees making at least $60,000 a year have to take five unpaid furlough days before next June 30.

Knowles said Wednesday the office will also offer buyouts.

Statewide leaders are cutting back after Gov. Rod Blagojevich slashed $1.4 billion from the annual budget. Earlier this month, state Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias laid off six employees and said he'll require others to take time off without pay.