Texas National Guard Furlough To Begin Monday

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — The Texas National Guard will furlough civil service employees beginning Monday, a consequence of the automatic federal spending cuts taking effect across the country.

The furlough will affect about 2,000 full-time civil service workers, amounting to about 10 percent of the entire Texas National Guard. The Austin American-Statesman reports they'll be placed on furlough for 11 nonconsecutive days through the end of September.

Col. Amy Cook says about 98 percent of the workers are active-duty military personnel. The furlough will mean a reduction of about a fifth of their income.

About 1,000 furloughed workers are from Central Texas, including some 500 from Camp Mabry.

While training will be affected, the National Guard will still be able to respond to emergencies. "It will just be a bit harder," Cook said.

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Information from: Austin American-Statesman

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.