State Budget Woes Inspire Money-Saving Solutions

"Our employees are our most valuable asset," says Secretary of Administration GwynnSwinson.

She heads a committee looking at suggestions from state employees on how North Carolina can save money, and jobs. Someideas already adopted include turning off soda machine lights, saving an estimated $10,000 a year or more.

"Using teleconferencing and conference calls instead of traveling, which we've done in the past [is another way to saveand] we are also using double-sided copies."

In Swinson's office, half of the fluorescent lights are removed to save energy.

"We've received over 800 suggestions from state employees all around North Carolina. We're really thrilled. It's the most comprehensive type effort we've ever had," she says.

There are also still areas where money may not have been well spent. The Department of Transportation paid $173,000 to plant flowers near the the U.S. Women's Open golf course.

The D.O.T. says the money it used to pay for the flowers comes from federal funds given to the state annually. Thosefunds can only be used for landscaping, building new sidewalks, and purchasing rights of way.