With Hawaii’s public employee unions poised for a unity rally at the State Capitol this afternoon, it seemed like a good time to check furlough-related news from across the country.

• From Stateline.org, an overview of furloughs being implemented across the country.

• Another review of furloughs comes from Illinois, where the governor lacks legal authority to unilaterally send employees home, but must bargain with public employee unions.

• In New Jersey, the state court system shut down due to furloughs.

• In Wisconsin, state workers will be furloughed eight days per year, far short the three days per month planned by Gov. Lingle.

All in all, it’s grim everywhere. And I didn’t even wade into the California budget swamp.