The State Worker

Chronicling civil-service life for California state workers

July 29, 2008
Garamendi: Arnold, don't do it

Lt. Gov. John Garamendi this morning sent a letter to the Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, asking him to "walk a week in a state worker's shoes" before signing an executive order on Thursday that would slash their pay to $6.55 an hour:

 

July 29, 2008

 

The Honorable Arnold Schwarzenegger

Governor of California

State Capitol Building, 1st Floor

Sacramento, CA 95814

 

Dear Governor Schwarzenegger:

 

I write to you today regarding the proposed executive order to reduce the minimum wage of 200,000 of California's state workers to the federal minimum wage of $6.55 an hour.

 

As you contemplate signing this executive order, please ask yourself - how would you feed and care for your family on $262 per week ($1,048 per month)?  How would your hardworking staff fare on these minimal earnings?  Could you and your family do it for one week?

 

It is our duty, as elected officials of this great State, to find solutions to the many challenging problems that face California, such as the state budget.  Those solutions should always look to improve the quality of life for all Californians, not impede it. 

 

Please walk a week in a state worker's shoes before you sign this executive order and imagine yourself and your family surviving on $262 per week.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

JOHN GARAMENDI

Lieutenant Governor

 

Is Garamendi posturing here, or do you think that he and other politicians who have criticized the governor's pay cut plan are posturing?  How long will the budget impasse continue?

It could go much longer. My colleague Steve Wiegand today lists California's five latest budgets on Capitol Alert. Could this year's budget impasse will set a new record? And how long after the budget gets done will state workers get new contracts?

 

Categories: Pensions, State budget

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About The State Worker

Jon Ortiz The Author

Jon Ortiz, a member of The Bee's business staff since 2003, reports on workplace and labor issues. Join him for updates and debate on state pay, benefits, pensions, contracts and jobs.

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