Many State Workers Vow To Volunteer If Shutdown Happens

INDIANAPOLIS -- Nearly 31,000 state workers will be laid off Wednesday if legislators don't pass a state budget or a stopgap measure to keep them on the job, but some of those workers said Monday they will volunteer if need be.

State employees feel caught in the middle of something they have no control over, 6News' Ben Morriston reported.

Secretary of State Todd Rokita and much of his staff said they will keep his service center running, regardless of what happens with the budget.

"I'm perfectly happy to come in, even if I'm not making my hourly wage," said Jim Gavin, communications director of the office. "I'm hoping, of course, that the government shutdown, if it happens, would be brief and temporary."

The sentiment was common among other state employees.

"I love working for the state," said a woman, who 6News identified only as Suzan. "I'd volunteer my time. They're good to their employees, and that would be a way for me to give something back."

Most taxpayers said they applaud anyone who would agree to work for free.

"I think they're tremendous benefits to the state of Indiana," said Indianapolis resident Matt Taylor. "That's the kind of people they need in state government."

"If they have enough free time to volunteer their time to help the government, I think that would be nice to do," said resident Tommy Brooks.

It's not entirely clear if it's legal for state employees to work for free, Morriston reported. The Attorney General's Office has not ruled on that subject.