Legislator Letters to SEIU Members on the State Pay Raise
Thank you for your email regarding proposals to rescind the pending 3% salary increase for classified state employees in the coming fiscal year. I appreciate your comments and welcome the opportunity to respond.
Article XI, Section 5 of the Michigan Constitution provides that, within 60 calendar days following the submission of the Governor's budget to the Legislature, the Legislature may, by a two-thirds vote in each chamber, reject or reduce increases in the rate of state employee compensation authorized by the Civil Service Commission. House Concurrent Resolution 42, introduced by Representative Chuck Moss (R-Birmingham), would eliminate the pending Fiscal Year 2010-2011 contractual 3% salary increase for classified state employees. This legislation was referred to the House Government Operations Committee where it awaits further action. It is my understanding that Senate Republicans intend to introduce similar legislation in the Senate.
State employees have repeatedly sacrificed time and compensation to help balance the state budget while continuing to provide vital services to the public. I believe that it is unfair to balance the budget solely on the backs of our state employees. Additionally, I believe action by the Michigan Legislature to negate a previously negotiated contract could create a chilling precedent ripe for future abuse in the name of political expediency. As such, should this legislation come to the Senate floor, I intend to vote no.
Once again, thank you for taking the time to contact my office. In the future, please do not hesitate to do so again regarding this or any other state issue of your concern.
Sincerely,
MICHAEL PRUSI
Senate Democratic Leader
38th District