Several state agencies not under Gov. Bill Richardson's control are making it clear they don't intend to furlough employees to save money.

State Land Commissioner Pat Lyons called Richardson's budget-cutting plan to force five days of unpaid leave on most state employees "cruel."

"It's the governor's reckless fiscal policy that got us into this mess and now state employees are expected to bail him out," Lyons, the only Republican holding a statewide elected office, said Wednesday.

"This plan won't hurt the political appointees who take home over $100,000 a year, but the classified employees who earn a fraction of that will feel the crunch, especially around the holiday season," Lyons said. "It's cruel."

Richardson was quick to fire back, via his blog, saying Lyons was trying to "score some political points."

"The decision to order furloughs was not reached lightly and was only made after a year of very deep spending cuts to agencies under the governor's control. These furloughs, while tough, will help the state avoid having to lay off employees," his blog said.

Richardson went on to say Lyons hadn't taken an active role in helping the state fix its budget crisis.

"In fact, earlier this year when Governor Richardson ordered exempt employees under his control to take a two percent pay cut and urged other elected officials to follow suit, the only thing he heard from the Land Commissioner's Office was silence," the blog says.

As part of the state's effort to deal with a budget deficit, Richardson earlier this month announced the furlough plan. A proposal pending with the State Personnel Board calls for the furlough days to fall around holidays, including Christmas and New Year's. That plan will be before the board Dec. 16.

The unpaid time off for workers in executive branch agencies is expected to save the state $10.8 million. It wouldn't apply to courts, public schools, colleges or the Legislature.

Employees at the Public Regulation Commission were told in an e-mail Wednesday that they won't be forced to take time off either, because of "fiscal responsibility" and savings at the regulatory agency.

At the same time, the e-mail said the PRC still needs "to be prudent in our efforts to tighten our belts and maintain fiscal awareness and responsibility."

Attorney General's Office spokesman Phil Sisneros said his office also doesn't plan any furloughs.

Arcy Baca, president of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 477, said many of those who will be furloughed are stressed.

"It's going to be a rough time, I'm already hearing it from employees," he said. "That's going to put a real dent in their holidays."

Contact Kate Nash at 986-3036 or knash@sfnewmexican.com. Read her blog at www.greenchilechatter.com.