I am a concerned state employee who understands that Gov. Larry Hogan wants to balance the budget. But I don't think it should be done on the backs of state employees ("Lawmakers weigh pension shift to free up funds," Feb. 27).
We have already endured furloughs days without pay, no incremental raises for five years and the cessation of matching 401k contributions. Now the Hogan administration wants to rescind the 2 percent Cost of Living Adjustment state employees just received on Jan. 1 from the previous Democratic administration.
Has Mr. Hogan bought a gallon of milk lately? It costs $3.59 to $3.89, a lot more than the last time I got a step increase. I voted for him but I won't be doing that again if he rescinds the COLA.
Why do Republican businessmen always think the best way to save money is to reduce what they pay the workers who can least afford it?
I suggest Mr. Hogan cut in other ways. A spokeswoman for his office told the Patuxent papers that the $1 million the state promised Baltimore County to tear down the historic Bloede Dam on the Patapsco River would not be affected.
Yes, the demolition would open up the river and, the dam is no longer of use. But it is more than 100 years old, and there is no other reason to tear it down. That $1 million would pay a lot of 2 percent COLAs.
There must be other items like this that could be cut or postponed rather than reducing the salaries of state workers once again.
The state recently announced it would pay $15,000 to any employee who retired by April 28 to save on salaries. It anticipates 500 employees could sign up. That's a lot of 2 percent COLAs as well.
Sue Toll