Live_Online: Little Public Sympathy for State Workers

SACRAMENTO, CA - State workers who are facing more cutbacks are getting little public sympathy in the midst of California's budget crisis, said Wednesday's Live_Online guest, Jon Ortiz, a reporter for the Sacramento Bee who writes The State Worker Blog.

Gov. Schwarzenegger is calling for a 5 percent across-the-board pay cut on top of the two-day-a-month furlough he ordered in February.

Ortiz told viewers if lawmakers reject the pay cut, the governor could still achieve the same savings by imposing a third furlough day a month.

The state faces a budget deficit of at least $24 billion when the new fiscal year begins July 1, while the pay cut would save roughly $1 billion, Ortiz said.

Tuesday, the governor will talk about his proposed cuts before a joint session of the state Legislature. You can see the live stream at 10 a.m Tuesday here.

The entire interview with Ortiz can be viewed in the Live_Online Archive.

Here's what some viewers said in our online conversation:

Viewer, underpaid state worker, wrote: "I make under 28K a year with 2 small kids .. why should I be cut?"

Viewer, Terrya1, wrote: "I don't mind paying my share but Arnold needs to realize that we need to eat. I haven't lost my home but I still have to pay the bills."

Viewer, Thisisjewel, wrote: "The Legislature makes way more than the average state worker why not go after them???"

Viewer, Concerned, wrote: "With this newest pay cut my family will have to seriously look at filing for bankruptcy. Thanks a lot Arnold. You may have achieved your American Dream, but you are close to ruining ours."

Viewer, unvalued state worker, wrote: "Most state workers make around $30k. The furloughs are a political statement as the state spends more in overtime. If the gov really wanted to save money why doesn't he close state offices for the furloughs. Save electricity, security, etc."

Viewer, James, wrote: "My girlfriend is a State Worker. Forgive her for wanting to serve the people of California. Why not raise taxes across the board and leave state workers alone."

Viewer, reality, wrote: "I work in the private sector. We had our merit/cola revoked this year (4-5%), our annual bonus gone (upwards to 20% of your pay), had our retirement benefits cut due to the Wall Street losses, have to pay more for medical benefits, and have had layoffs totaling 5% so far due to lower revenues (but the remaining staff pick up the workload). This is prevalent with many private sector companies, so please help me understand how the civil service sector is immune to the current economic situation."

Viewer, onmywatch, wrote: "What about cutting from the top down? Why start at the bottom to save pennies when you can cut 100K and above especially on commission and boards etc."

Viewer, Joe, wrote: "I don't think the state workers should lose another dime until the legislature takes a cut in pay - including a cut in the per diem they get for being in Sacramento. Let them negotiate a better rate for their apartments/hotels or wherever they are staying."

Viewer, VacaGrammy, wrote: "Let's make the legislators cut their pay and NOT get per diem- they are the ones that caused all of this..Closing parks and normal working services is NOT the way to save money.. They are only making it worse since most parks charge for use and the closures will only leave them open to vandalism and deterioration."

Viewer, John, wrote: "I am a state worker and I am in financial ruin over the furlough and anticipated 5% paycut. My house will be in foreclosure this month, and a 5% cut will cause ultimate bankruptcy."

Viewer, workingmomma, wrote: "State workers need to compete like everyone else for work."

Viewer, Republicandude, wrote: "I think there is a lack of sympathy for state workers since everyone is struggling these days, comparable workers make less money than state workers, so it is all relative."

Viewer, Deborah, wrote: "I just paid an additional 46 dollars for car registration- where does Arnold think I'm getting extra money from if I keep getting salary cuts. After 18+ years of service as a state worker, I feel so betrayed."

Viewer, Terry, wrote: "State workers are doing their fair share...California politicians should take a 15% pay cut!"

Viewer, frustrated CO, wrote: "After it is said and done, State workers are being double dipped on cuts! On top of the Furlough & 5% pay cut being proposed, we're also getting hit on all other increases that the rest of Californians are going through. Where or when does it end?"

Viewer, stan, wrote: "Why is the Governor putting the onus of the Budget on the backs of the poor and those who can afford it least? And, further, State workers do a good job....why is he punishing THEM for his inability to come up with good ideas?"

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