The House passed by a one-vote margin a controversial bill paring back salary increases for state workers. They almost didn’t pass it. Finally, the weight of the fiscal crisis overpowered the weight of the conscience over breaking “promised” salary increases, increases made when the State was flush.
“House Bill 176 is a pretty short bill — but it’s a controversial bill,” said Thompson. The five-line bill repeals a 2.5 percent cost-of-living adjustment for non-union public employees, which comprise about 2,000 members of the state workforce. Thompson noted the bill would save the state nearly $10 million — equivalent to 90 jobs.
“The question we must answer is: Would we rather cut more people’s jobs or keep salaries steady?” asked Thompson.
“I feel very uncomfortable with this bill. I was always brought up to believe a man’s word is his bond,” explained LeDoux in an eight-second floor speech.
But for many Republicans, like Tammie Wilson of North Pole, the fiscal argument won out. “It is about a $3.5 billion deficit. That’s really what it’s about,” said Wilson. “When these agreements were made a couple years ago, I don’t think there was anybody who was sitting down on those contracts who thought we would be where we are today.”
See Full Story as Alaska Public Media
