GOP calls for one-year salary freeze for all state workers, legislators

Senate Minority Leader Richard R. Tisei is calling on Governor Deval Patrick to impose a one-year moratorium on all raises, bonuses, payouts, step increases and cost of living adjustments for active state employees to help the Commonwealth save money during the current fiscal crisis.

Tisei issued the call in response to an Associated Press report that Governor Patrick is delaying salary increases for 30,000 human services providers who earn about $25,000 a year on average. The delay comes as the Department of Revenue predicts that state tax collections for Fiscal Year 2009 may come in another $749 million below the revised revenue projections issued on October 15.

“In light of the fact that the Governor is taking these raises away from human services providers – who are already among the lowest paid workers in the state – it is only right that all state employees be asked to do the same and forego any raises for one year to help save money and hold the line on spending,” said Tisei. “That includes those working in upper management positions as well as members of the Legislature. Everyone should do their part.”

The Legislature included a $23 million salary reserve in this year’s budget to fund 3 percent raises for direct care workers earning less than $40,000 a year. Patrick so far has refused to release the money for the raises, which were due to take effect on July 1, 2008.

“With revenues dropping at an unprecedented level we need to consider every cost saving measure that comes across the table,” said Senator Michael R. Knapik. “Establishing a moratorium on all raises, bonuses and payouts across the board is the only fair and logical way to go about it.”