Bush Cuts Pay Raises for Federal Workers, Citing National Emergency

TBo.com ^

[meyer]

Don't you worry, when our side wins (2004?) and there is no government ("like no government"), we'll remember your contribution to the fight and we'll take care of ya! Oh, wait, never mind, since there'll be no welfare state...

Fear not, Mr. Cat!! I can still hold my own in the private world. You'd be surprised to see how our group works in comparison to the private world. I can't say the same for all of government, but I can say that we are very competitive. I've seen both sides of this business and there isn't much difference.

[PhiKapMom]

I was watching the other day and they had a story off the AP wire that was also slanted. Getting less than impressed!

[meyer]

Don't you worry, when our side wins (2004?) and there is no government ("like no government")

BTW, who is "our side"? If there's to be a revolution, I expect to be invited!!

[PhiKapMom]

Where did you get the idea that most Feds are GS-5 and GS-6 secretaries? That is a ludicrous claim. Most offices have 10 or more upper level grades and one secretary. The Administrative force in the Civil Service ranks were cut way back starting years ago.

Your information is way outdated and has been since the age of computers. There are not that many secretaries per number of personnel.

[katze]

Right to the point.

If Pres Bush would see fit to halt the huge property tax increase we're facing, in light of the National Emergency, it would be a fair trade-off. I'm willing to tighten my belt, but seems like the schools (and Dept of Education) don't have belts, they just continue to bloat.

[PhiKapMom]

I was amazed at this article myself. A 3.1% pay raise with no inflation is not bad!

[Miss Marple]

The President does not have the power to halt a state property tax increase. Those powers are reserved to the states, per the Constitution.

[Revolting cat!]

Joking aside, I believe you. It's an old story: Americans don't want less government, they want a more efficient government. Trouble is, government is pretty muchg as efficient as it can be (at least according to the reports I've read,)and it's time for a reality check. Maybe we ought to givbe up some of out favourite government gifts.

[FreeReign]

Oops, #59 was a reply to you and not to fuzz.

[concerned about politics]

If Pres Bush would see fit to halt the huge property tax increase we're facing,

Now there's an issue that really bugs me. We work hard to pay for our properties in full , yet the government still makes us pay rent. If we don't pay the rent they demand, they evict us. What kind of deal is that? I thought the deed meant we owned our land? We have no right to own land anymore. We pay for it, but still rent it from Uncle Sam!

[FreeReign]

I was amazed at this article myself. A 3.1% pay raise with no inflation is not bad!

Yes, it's still too big an increase.

[wharfrat]

If no respect of Persons means anything in this world at least everybody can share equally in their dissappointment versus the socialist system that promotes shareing the wealth. Consider this doing pennance like the rest of us in the private sector; I cannot remember the last raise or a cost of living adjustment I got, so this will make those feel humble and let them see what the rest of us out there in the ozone have to put up with. Another righteous humbleing experience that helps to deflate over active egos is to spend time standing in unemployment lines, works wonders with your humility!

[FreeReign]

We pay for it, but still rent it from Uncle Sam!

The U.S. Federral Government a.k.a Uncle Sam, does not collect property tax.

[katze]

I retired as a GS-12, step 10, and I can tell you I worked mighty hard to reach that grade (retired in '91); further, I earned my pay many times over, with tangible savings to the Govt in many instances. It is easier now to reach a GS-12, but some of us had to produce to get it. Might add I stayed with it because of the security it provided, with my civilian counterparts making far in excess of my salary.

[meyer]

Joking aside, I believe you. It's an old story: Americans don't want less government, they want a more efficient government. Trouble is, government is pretty muchg as efficient as it can be (at least according to the reports I've read,)and it's time for a reality check. Maybe we ought to givbe up some of out favourite government gifts.

I'm glad you posted that, though I was really wanting to join the new military. J/K :^)

Frankly, despite some silly red tape, our group does function much the same way as its couterparts in private industry. BUT, it is not the ideal indicator of government operation overall. I know that there's a ton of inefficiency in the postal service and I'm a bit suspicious of DOE (whom we deal with on occasion - those folks need permission and paperwork to sneeze, it seems). Nevertheless, there is a certain percentage of government employees that are quite dedicated. Finding them and firing the others is a problem, however.

I do think, and I think you agree, that there are several "favorite gifts" that need to be done away with - I'm not much for the nanny state, nor am I in favor of the welfare state except as a very temporary safety net. That's about it from where I see it.

[katze]

Of course he doesn't; so glad you enlightened me. Something should be done at the federal level Dept of Education, instead of throwing good money after bad.

[ATOMIC_PUNK]

BTW, only in D.C. is an anticipated increase which has never been implemented, considered "a cut".....

DITTOS

[CobaltBlue]

>>For Oklahoma, that is way above the average salary.<<

We are originally from Louisiana, so we are well aware of the dichotomy between costs of living here vs. where we are from.

The cost of living here is one of the highest in the entire country.

[maui_hawaii]

Hopefully the Homeland Security Office will either A) expose major overlaps (inefficiencies) among various agencies and get rid of them. This will hopefully reduce the size of government.

or...

If the actual numbers of people working are not reduced, more will be in front line positions doing something useful. Those 10 accountant jobs can be turned into 10 extra people riding around in Coast Guard boats patrolling the shores.