AP: Nixon Eyes State Employee Cuts

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - Gov.-elect Jay Nixon is asking hundreds of state employees to justify their jobs or lose them.

Nixon's gubernatorial transition team has sent letters to about 600 employees whose jobs are not covered by the state merit system.

The letter obtained by The Associated Press says employees must reapply for their jobs by Dec. 23 if they want to keep their positions.

The application requires employees to describe their qualifications, responsibilities and the importance of their positions.

Nixon spokesman Oren Shur says some people who reapply still may not keep their jobs. He says Nixon is looking for ways to consolidate positions and make the state more efficient.

The letters were sent to about 1 percent of Missouri's total employees.