By KRWG News
New Mexico – Friday marks another furlough day for state workers in New Mexico meaning most state offices will be closed and New Mexicans won't be able to do business with them.
It's the third of five furlough days ordered by Gov. Bill Richardson to try to save the state $8.1 million.
Furloughs apply to about 17,000 state employees in agencies controlled by the governor.
Some 4,100 employees in various departments are exempt, including state police officers and corrections and hospital officials.
The plan also includes energy savings, so agency heads have been told to make sure lights, heating systems, computers and other electronics are turned off for the long weekend.
The final furlough days will be April 2 and May 28.
Copyright 2010 The Associated Press.