Comments unfair to state workers

My message is in response to all the "concerned" Illinois citizens who have made haphazard comments about state employees, of which I am one, not paying their dues, layoffs or furlough days, diminished community services, and the other ramifications this has put into play in order to balance the state budget.

I'm specifically addressing a particular opinion that was published several weeks ago by a citizen, then the newspaper itself, before the approved budget within the last week.

I, my co-workers and their families take personal offense at these ignorant, unknowing and unfounded remarks. Many of my co-workers and I have often stated that we would most happily take furlough days and a tax increase in order that services wouldn't be cut; in fact, we have taken furlough days in past years.

Because of union contract language, only targeted, (nonunion/non-bargaining unit) employees are required to take furlough days. Unfortunately, we are not the ones to make this important decision.

I also take personal offense at the comment made by the Daily Herald that it's the taxpayers who have to pay for state workers. Aren't state workers taxpayers as well?

These "concerned" citizens, and the Daily Herald, should get their facts straight before putting their comments in writing and making fools of themselves.

Dennis Dee

Elgin