Pay Raises For Non-Union Pennsylvania State Workers Frozen For 5th Year
By Tony Romeo
HARRISBURG, Pa. (CBS) -- Once again, non-union workers employed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will not see a pay raise this year.
Kevin Harley, a spokesman for Governor Tom Corbett, says the pay freeze for state employees under the governor's jurisdiction classified as "management" -- including cabinet secretaries -- is the continuation of a policy begun under Governor Rendell.
Harley says the weak economy and the negative effect it is having on state revenues means those people, including the governor, will not get a pay raise for a fifth year.
"Well, that's very unfortunate, but it is unfortunately a reality of the economic situation that the state finds itself in," Harley told KYW Newsradio. "And until the economy improves, it's the reality of life working for the state."
Meanwhile, the state budget secretary last month said current projections show the state would need almost three quarters of a billion dollars to balance the budget for the new fiscal year that starts in July.
Harley says an announcement is expected soon about spending freezes to address that situation.
---------
