Because it had been held back many times, the cost-cutting measure would not “be able to do its job” for the current fiscal year, Basa said.
A legislative staffer who requested anonymity expressed mixed emotions about the non-passage of the austerity bill.
She said she feels good that her salary will not be reduced for the rest of FY 2010, but she now fears that deeper cuts will have to be made in FY 2011.
She’s right.
According to the Basa, the $132 million budget bill for FY 2011 must include a deeper work-hour reduction: from 80 to 64 work hours per pay period.
The austerity bill proposed 70 work hours.
Basa said the budget bill will also include unpaid holidays.
He expressed optimism, however, that the revenue generating bills, one of which was already passed by the House, will somehow prevent severe pay cuts.
The revenue generating bills will increase taxes and government fees.
