Scott responds: We need targetted layoffs

State Rep. Austin Scott, R-Tifton, GOP candidate for governor, stopped by a few moments ago to respond to Karen Handel's call for mass layoffs.

"I think layoffs are inevitable," said Scott, who is on the House Appropriations Committee now looking to cut the state budget. "But I do not support mass, across the board layoffs. ... I think we've got to be very selective about who we terminate."

Scott said he favors "the outright elimination" of some state programs, but wouldn't say which ones while budget negotiations are ongoing. He said he's been rummaging through salary records at www.open.georgia.gov, and some might stand a whack.

He noted that Handel and U.S. Rep. Nathan Deal, who is also running for governor, have promised an increase in the state's Medicaid reimbursements to doctors. That, like many things in state government, is much easier said than funded.

"If they can bring forward the bill that can do all these things, I'll sign it, we'll pass it and I'll endorse one of them," Scott said.

Note to readers: If you're running for governor and would like to pop by today to advocate the mass firing of state employees, our address is 18 Capitol Square. You'll find press row on the second floor of the Coverdell Legislative Office Building.