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Georgia's State Budget Crisis |
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We have all heard that the
state faces a potential budget shortfall of
nearly $2 billion. What is the impact of the
current state financial picture on the past,
current, and future state law enforcement pay
raises? Unfortunately there is no clear answer as to what is on the chopping block. Virtually every state agency and funding source is subject to some type of cuts as has been published in the news. Behind the scenes, the rumors are flying among elected officials as to state employee pay: from simply freezing FY-2009 pay raises to every state employee being cut back to FY 2007 pay levels. But at this point it is just rumors and speculation. It appears that those law enforcement pay raises received last year (FY 2008) are relatively secure, but not guaranteed. Law enforcement pay raises due to go into effect this January (FY 2009) and raises promised for FY 2010 are being suggested for postponement until some unspecified future period of state financial prosperity. However, Republican leaders, especially those in the House, are trying to discourage the Governor from doing this. It has taken five years to get to the final phase (FY 2010) of the current three year law enforcement pay plan and they want to finish what they started. Don't take any chances. You can not afford to sit back and see what is going to happen with your pay. The State's ultimate financial solution to this problem will be based on a mutual political decision by the leadership under the Gold Dome. Your elected officials generally look for solutions with the least adverse impact on their political future. So talk to your state senator and representative personally and have your family, friends, and co-workers contact theirs also. Ask your elected officials to honor their commitment to the three year law enforcement pay plan. There are solutions other than your long deserved pay raise! |
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