By Drew Volturo,
Delaware State News
DOVER — Most state workers will receive an additional $750 in their paychecks for fiscal 2008 under a salary package approved by the legislative budget-writing committee Monday.
The Joint Finance Committee’s $33.3 million pay package is about $3 million less than Gov. Ruth Ann Minner recommended in the $3.25 billion operating budget she unveiled in January.
The governor has proposed an across-the-board 2-percent raise for state employees.
“Unfortunately, this is one of those years when there is no money,” said Michael A. Begatto, who represents about 6,000 government workers through the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.
“We had our fingers crossed at AFSCME that the raise wouldn’t be less than what the governor recommended.
“At least it’s something. In the past, when things are really bad, it’s been zero. We certainly didn’t come back with a goose egg.”
The state’s revenue estimates have declined by $9.2 million since the governor unveiled her budget and a proposed cigarette tax that would raise $42 million has stalled, placing a carving knife in JFC’s collective hands rather than a wish list of projects to fund.
“Obviously, it wasn’t an easy decision, but we’re looking at the larger picture and the issues we have to solve and cuts we have to make,” said Joint Finance Committee co-chair Sen. Nancy W. Cook, D-Kenton, of the unanimous decision.
“This is what the committee felt was best.”
Additionally, state Office of Management and Budget director Jennifer W. Davis said there are $20 million in operating issues that have surfaced since the budget was proposed.
The bulk of that — $11 million — is needed for the Department of Correction’s agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice, which orders the state to completely renovate its prison health care system in light of “substantial civil rights violations” found during an investigation last year.
“Since January, when the governor’s recommended budget was issued, the economic climate has deteriorated,” Mrs. Davis said. “This was a collaborative effort between OMB and members of the Joint Finance Committee.
“This makes the best of a not-so-great financial situation.”
Under the JFC pay package, which the full legislature must vote on next month as part of the annual budget bill, employees will receive a $750 increase, which is a 2-percent raise for those making the state average — $37,500.
The increase would be spread out over workers’ 26 paychecks throughout the year, Mrs. Davis said.
“Obviously, we wanted to do more, but we’re pleased that it helps the lower end of the pay scale, giving some as much as 4 percent,” Mrs. Davis said.
Workers at or near the maximum of their pay grade would receive at least $375 or whatever would bring their pay to the maximum level, up to $750.
The increases also apply to Plan B workers at Delaware Technical & Community College, which are workers that perform jobs similar to state employees, such as secretaries.
Employees at the University of Delaware, Delaware State University and faculty and administrators at DelTech would receive a 2-percent raise under the pay package.
Public school teachers, secretaries, custodial staff and food services workers also would receive a 2-percent boost.
Paraprofessionals also would see a raise under the plan.
Service aides would get a 2-percent increase, while instructional aides would receive an additional $1,500.
The proposed $33.3 million pay package is nowhere near the $64.4 million plan JFC recommended and the legislature approved last year, in which employees received a $1,250 increase or 2 percent, whichever is higher.
For fiscal 2005, state workers received 2 percent or $1,100, whichever is greater.
Staff writer Drew Volturo can be reached at 741-8296 or dvolturo@newszap.com.
