The Governor May Possibly Furlough State Workers for a Third Day

As the California Legislature continues to fail at resolving California’s crippling deficit, what is the resolution? Governor threatens to make the state employees pay for it, cutting their pay up to a total of 14% now. State workers are already facing two furlough days a month as it is. What does this mean for state workers? Two days a month, their office is closed, they receive no pay, and their paycheck is that much smaller.

Why Not?

Rather than dividing this deficit amongst the people, or cutting entirely unnecessary programs, or taxing corporations that have the ability to take on the additional decrease in profit, they choose to take money from the pockets of 200,000 employees. Many are willing to take money from these state employees because they find it an easy resolution to their problem. However many of these state employees have families. They are all regular working people who live paycheck to paycheck. This 14% pay cut is something many are facing all over the state and for some it is unavoidable, this time it is not the case however. Why subject more to this same problem that is deepening the fiscal problems of this nation? Because many others refuse to give into special interest programs, or face the lack of campaign funding as they cut financing from their contributors.

So What Is Really the Issue Here?

The Republicans and Democrats continue to disagree on a resolution. Many believe there is no way of resolving this issue, however three more bills that could have resolved the issue were just rejected. That’s right, three more resolutions were proposed, and none could be decided on. The Republicans are fighting for approval by attempting to prevent further tax increases, and instead choose to take the money from 200,000 individuals. Why? Because it is easier to give up 200,000 votes over the majority of California. The Democrats wish to divide the loss fairly evenly, increasing taxes for everyone. The Republicans have been described as playing chicken, but at what cost?

What Will This Furlough Do?

The furlough is not a resolution, but a quick fix response if the legislature continues to fail at resolving the issue. The furlough will not resolve the issue, but simply push it back. State Controller John Chiang says that if they do not decide on a solution by Wednesday, the state will run out of money by late July.