State troopers may soon be facing 16 furlough days. It's an effort to trim $3.5 million from the department's budget.
The Highway Patrol is already cutting cell phones, canceling the next academy, and limiting troopers to driving a hundred miles per day, as well as reorganizing the department. Even with these measures, employees may still have to take 4 furlough days a month in March, April, May, and June.
One person who is praying the furloughs don't happen is Owasso resident Brenda Montgomery. She has lost four family members in two drunk driving crashes. She tells 2NEWS, "These drunk drivers are out there morning, noon, and night. They are not going to stop. Everyone they pass on the highway is a potential victim. That is why we need these troopers out there. We need them to ensure our safety."
Lawmakers tell 2NEWS they are looking at options they hope will avoid those furloughs. They hope to have some finalized by late this week, or early next week.
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