The furlough program has long been a source of controversy in Massachusetts.

The furlough program was suspended after the killing on March 4.

Massachusetts is one of more than 40 states with furlough programs that allow prisoners, including some murderers, to leave prison for a day or more.

During a debate before the New York primary, Gore took issue with the furlough program.

He also proposed a furlough program that would be voluntary for some employees and involuntary for others.

Yet the administration failed to continue a voluntary furlough program, the voluntary reduction in work schedule.

In effect, the program would be a variation on the unpaid furlough programs the city has been discussing for months but that the unions have resisted.

Only one state, Indiana, reported "serious difficulties" with its furlough program, which it has restricted pending review.

The furlough program had been started by a previous, Republican governor of Massachusetts.

And Texas already has a furlough program similar to the one in Massachusetts.