City Of Chicago To Shut Down Christmas Eve To Save Cash

[The Northerner]

Source: CBS 2 Chicago

CHICAGO (CBS) ― The City of Chicago will be shutting down early for the Christmas holiday, as part of Mayor Daley's plan to save the cash-strapped city money.

City Hall, public libraries, health clinics and most other city offices will be closed on Christmas Eve as those city workers are being forced to take the day off without pay.

Police and Fire Department operations are not affected and will remain fully staffed. Any other worker needed to provide for the public's safety will also be on the job.

As part of the 2009 budget, three reduced-service days were planned for 2009: Aug. 17, the Friday after Thanksgiving; and Christmas Eve.

The city expects to save $8.3 million.

Read more: http://cbs2chicago.com/local/chicgo.shut.down.2.1384151.html

[boppers]

1. What's the deal with Aug 17th?

The others seem like holiday extensions, but Aug 17th?

[WriteDown]

2. That's easy

1998 – Monica Lewinsky scandal: US President Bill Clinton admits in taped testimony that he had an "improper physical relationship" with White House intern Monica Lewinsky. On the same day he admits before the nation that he "misled people" about his relationship.

or maybe it's

1943 – World War II: The U.S. Seventh Army under General George S. Patton arrives in Messina, Italy, followed several hours later by the British 8th Army under Field Marshal Bernard L. Montgomery, thus completing the Allied conquest of Sicily.

[benld74]

3. City of Saint Louis,,,

for FY 2010, will 'save' money by having employees take 2 WEEKS UNPAID LEAVE.

[Blandocyte]

4. Chestnutz roasting on an open fiiiiiire

how nice! shut the city gov't down. It's only once a year! God bless us every one!

[valerief]

5. God Bless Capitalism!

:sarcasm: