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M. Wayne Huggins Government Relations Director Legislative Update # 2 for February 17, 2010 All Members,
As I mentioned in my earlier “all member” today we would be providing additional information as it became available. By now I am sure you have all read the letter that was sent out by the Governor to State Employees. I won’t rehash what it says as you can read that for yourself. What you might not have seen is a letter the Governor sent today to Senator Charles Colgan, Chair of Senate Finance, and Delegate Lacey Putney, Chair of House Appropriations. It is a seven page letter that sets forth the Governor’s proposed “Spending Recommendations” and “Spending Reductions”. I want to provide highlights from that letter.
On page 2 before he specifically addresses his recommendations the Governor in commenting upon previous budget reductions writes, “Large cuts over the past two years have already been made to higher education and public safety, so these areas should be largely protected.”
On page 3 under “Spending Recommendations”, the Governor writes: “Ensuring the safety of our citizens is the top responsibility of government. Consequently, several proposed reductions to the introduced budget affecting law enforcement officers on the street must be reversed. I recommend restoring at least $60 million over the biennium for sheriff and police officer staffing and state police trooper academies. We must maintain the ability of our first responders to meet service demands in a timely and safe manner, particularly in this tough economy when crime may increase.” In an accompanying document detailing the Governor’s proposals, the Governor is proposing to restore funding for the 116th basic school.
Finally, on page 5, as part of his proposed “Spending Reductions”, he writes: “I also recommend considering savings of $180 million by requiring up to five days unpaid leave for certain state employees each year for the next two years.” First, this says for “certain” state employees. In the accompanying document that provides details to his proposals it states that state police troopers are exempt from these proposed furloughs. Secondly, I have heard media reports suggesting that the Governor is recommending 10 days per year. This letter indicates that is not true but rather 5 days per year for 2 years for those “certain” state employees.
As I mentioned earlier today, these are all “proposals” that will now begin finding their way through the budget process I also described. As we learn more I will be letting you know.
M. Wayne Huggins Direct E-mal: waynehuggins@vspa.org
M. Wayne Huggins |