A dollar short

After taking a political beating for giving raises to some top staff members, Governor Paterson says he’s freezing the pay of executive chamber workers. Here’s the press release:

Governor David A. Paterson today announced that he has taken action to freeze the pay of his Executive Chamber staff to address the State’s current fiscal crisis.

“As the economy continues to deteriorate, it is clear that emerging from this fiscal crisis will require shared sacrifice from all New Yorkers, and my Executive Chamber staff will not be exempt,” said Governor Paterson. “While the exceptional people who serve in the Executive Chamber have dedicated their lives to serving the public, we must all play a role in helping close the budget gap.”

To help address a $14 billion budget gap, Governor Paterson’s Executive Budget proposed eliminating a 3 percent salary increase for all State employees that is scheduled to take place in April, 2009. This proposal, which would save $180 million in 2009-10, would still provide most State employees with salary increases of 10 percent over the four year life of the contract.

The Governor’s action would implement this proposal for Executive Chamber staff, and also withhold all salary increases related to performance advances or longevity payments for all Management/Confidential employees in the Executive Chamber. This action will save $450,000 in 2009-10 and will take effect on April 1, 2009.

Last week, Governor Paterson announced that he would reduce his own pay by 10 percent in light of the fiscal crisis.

Tags: nysbudget