State's Attorney's Office To Get Over 100 Pink Slips

CHICAGO (STMW) - Just a day after State's Attorney Anita Alvarez told the Cook County Board that budget cuts would severely impact her office, she sent pink slips to more than 100 office staff members.

"Sadly, we have begun the process," State's Attorney spokeswoman Sally Daly said Wednesday.

Those told they were being laid off included administrative assistants, clerks, victim-witness specialists and community outreach coordinators.

Most of the 101 workers were called throughout the day Wednesday. And the remainder will be called by Thursday, Daly said.

Seven court reporters were told they were being laid off last week, for a total of 108 job losses so far, Daly said.

The mood was somber at the 26th and California courthouse Wednesday.

"Can I give you a hug?" one woman asked a colleague who had just gotten a layoff call.

"I knew this was coming," the five-year county veteran said with tears in her eyes. "I'm trying not to cry."

A source said that those receiving layoff calls were told they could take off for the remainder of the day but most of them will work until the beginning or middle of March.

Daly said more jobs will be lost.

Fifty-eight assistant state's attorneys and 20 investigator positions could also be eliminated to meet the 8 percent reduction Alvarez is willing to cut in her budget, Daly said. But Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle has demanded a 10 percent cut.

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