Sacramento - Thousands of state workers are fuming as Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger stands behind his attempt to reduce their pay to the federal minimum wage until California’s budget is passed. Demonstrations in front of the capitol and heckles from fairgoers during the governor’s tour of the State Fair this week only highlighted the frustration felt by over 200,000 state employees who would end up making $7.25 an hour should he have his way. While unveiling his budget in January, Schwarzenegger said he appreciates all state workers do but “the public sector also has to take a haircut” because of “the economic crisis worldwide.” He has called it a matter of law. Without a budget, he says, the state should pay its workers minimum wage based on a 2003 court ruling. Schwarzenegger’s order, should it take effect, would impact hundreds of foothill residents – including many here in Amador County – who are state employees. Last Friday, Sacramento County Superior Court Judge Patrick Marlette denied Schwarzenegger’s request for an injunction compelling Controller John Chiang to lower state salaries while there is no budget. Chiang has very public stated his opposition to Schwarzenegger’s plan, arguing that he can’t recalculate the wages because of technical obstacles and calling the state’s antiquated computer system an “unsolvable puzzle.” Chiang appealed the court’s approval of Schwarzenegger’s order earlier this month. Judge Patrick has ordered the two sides back to court next month to argue the feasibility of reprogramming the computers. Until then, at least, state workers will continue to receive their normal pay and benefits. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.-
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Sacramento - Thousands of state workers are fuming as Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger stands behind his attempt to reduce their pay to the federal minimum wage until California’s budget is passed. Demonstrations in front of the capitol and heckles from fairgoers during the governor’s tour of the State Fair this week only highlighted the frustration felt by over 200,000 state employees who would end up making $7.25 an hour should he have his way. While unveiling his budget in January, Schwarzenegger said he appreciates all state workers do but “the public sector also has to take a haircut” because of “the economic crisis worldwide.” He has called it a matter of law. Without a budget, he says, the state should pay its workers minimum wage based on a 2003 court ruling. Schwarzenegger’s order, should it take effect, would impact hundreds of foothill residents – including many here in Amador County – who are state employees. Last Friday, Sacramento County Superior Court Judge Patrick Marlette denied Schwarzenegger’s request for an injunction compelling Controller John Chiang to lower state salaries while there is no budget. Chiang has very public stated his opposition to Schwarzenegger’s plan, arguing that he can’t recalculate the wages because of technical obstacles and calling the state’s antiquated computer system an “unsolvable puzzle.” Chiang appealed the court’s approval of Schwarzenegger’s order earlier this month. Judge Patrick has ordered the two sides back to court next month to argue the feasibility of reprogramming the computers. Until then, at least, state workers will continue to receive their normal pay and benefits. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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