
Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley is offering a buyout deal to many executive branch employees. Under an executive order signed Tuesday, eligible employees can apply to leave their jobs in exchange for a $15,000 payment, plus $200 for each year of service and three months of medical, prescription and dental benefits.
The buyout is part of an effort to reduce the size of the state government and save money, according to the governor. State budget analysts say Maryland's budget gap is approximately $1.6 billion for the next fiscal year.
Employees have until Jan. 4 to apply for the package. People who participate cannot rejoin the state government for at least 18 months.

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