California Governor Jerry Brown has announced that nearly 30,000 cell phones have been collected from state employees since January, saving the state millions of dollars.

A total of 29,348 state cell phones have been retrieved, which accounts for 44 percent of all those issued to employees in offices under the governor’s direct control.

Governor Brown’s goal was to collect 50 percent, which he said would save the state $13 million a year.

The cost-cutting move was just part of the governor’s budget plan. State lawmakers have until June 15 to deliver a balanced budget.

Click here for Governor Brown’s statement.

• Tag: Budget, cell phones, Governor Jerry Brown, Savings, state employees