State plans to lay off 125 employees

PINE BELT, MS. - Mississippi's budget woes is forcing another round of state employee layoffs.

The State Department of Mental Health is laying off 125 employees at four facilities as part of an overall plan to eliminate 650 jobs.

Officials said 69 workers will be laid off at East Mississippi State Hospital in Meridian, 53 at the Central Mississippi Residential Center in Newton, and 3 in Oxford.

In addition, the Public Service Commission plans to lay off three employees.

Last month state officials announced the Forestry Commission will lay off 75 workers.

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