Internal JPL E-mail ( http://www.spaceref.com/news/viewsr.html?pid=18283 ):

"On September 7, 2005 Dr. Elachi informed us that the entire NASA budget is under strain and that NASA's action to rebalance the mix of space science missions has had an impact on missions at JPL. Based upon this information we expected a 5-8% reduction in the Laboratory's budget for FY 06 and implemented a Lab wide employment freeze in our attempt to mitigate lay offs. While the freeze on outside hiring is still in place today, we have not satisfactorily relieved budget pressures in the Engineering and Science Directorate to address the financial limitations we are facing. The short fall of the budget for FY 06 requires that we take immediate action now. Accordingly, we have no choice but to reduce our work force by implementing a lay off.

"3x Division Managers were given instructions to reduce work force by approximately 5%. Typically, this will require each Section to reduce work force by 5%. Management is currently in the process of notifying individuals selected for lay off and we anticipate this process should be largely completed by Monday, October 17, 2005."