Shock waves are rippling through the community as the effects of state-mandated budget cuts trickle down to local offices. “There are going to be furloughs of some state workers — and that directly impacts their family budgets,” said state Sen. Preston Smith, R-Rome. “There are proposed cuts to programs that affect children, the elderly, health care and public safety.” Six percent cuts were instituted across the board when revenues for July — the first month of the fiscal year — led to projections of a $1.6 billion shortfall. Agency heads now have until Sept. 2 to give Gov. Sonny Perdue revised budgets showing cuts of as much as 10 percent for this and next year.  (Rome News-Tribune)