Posted on 12/01/2009 7:28:11 AM PST by Oldeconomybuyer
President Obama on Monday reiterated that he will limit the across-the board pay increase for federal employees to 2 percent in 2010.
Obama originally issued the 2 percent recommendation in August. Under federal law, the president has until the end of November to propose an alternative to pay levels set under procedures laid out in the 1990 Federal Employees Pay Comparability Act. Under that law, employees would be due a 2.4 percent base pay raise in 2010, plus locality pay increases averaging 16.5 percent. That total pay increase would cost about $22.6 billion in fiscal 2010 alone, Obama wrote.
The president has cited a national emergency since Sept. 11, 2001, as well as the sluggish economy and high unemployment as his basis for overriding FEPCA and proposing the lower-than-average 2 percent figure.
"As I said in August, I do not believe this decision will materially affect our ability to continue to attract and retain a quality federal workforce," Obama wrote in a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Vice President Joe Biden. "Since any pay raise above the amount proposed in this alternative plan would likely be unfunded, agencies would have to absorb the additional cost and could have to reduce hiring to pay the higher rates."
The 2 percent figure has angered some lawmakers and federal employee groups, many of which have pushed for pay parity between civilian workers and military service members. Members of the military are slated to receive a 3.4 percent raise. Congress could still override the president's plan, however. The Senate's version of the fiscal 2010 financial services appropriations bill includes a 2.9 percent civilian raise for 2010, while the House bill follows Obama's request for a 2 percent raise. The House passed its version of the financial services bill in July, but the full Senate has yet to vote on the measure.
I will NOT be getting a pay raise this year...
2% raise? They should be getting a 20% cut.
Entire federal departments should be closed. HHS, Education, and EPA — just for starters.
bingo, most i know including myself have had pay cuts...mine was 25%....as soon as savings is gone making up the loss on bills each month we are screwed....
Why ANY raise at all?
CUT and LAYOFF you idiot
I will NOT be getting a pay raise this year...
Keep in mind that government workers have a very low wage except for the big wigs. A typical secretary makes about 28,000. I am more than sure that you make triple that. Most in the private industry make tons more than the government workers. I AM NOT A GOVERNMENT WORKER just for information.
How about a 10% across the board pay CUT for ALL federal employees??? And that would include the elected and appointed TURKEYS!!!!!
I always say, “If you can get more money elsewhere, GO”
Money for nothing.
And your chicks for free.
But all you AARP members, you are getting squat increase this year.
That sure is big of him. I get no raise this year as my company did not make its goals.
Did the federal goivernement make its goals this year?
I would say increasing debt would suggest otherwise.
Why do they get raises and not the rest of us?
You could more in the private industry? Really? Do you mean now or circa 2005? Because I’d LOVE to make $28,000 as a secretary right now. Do you know where they are hiring for these fabulous private sector jobs?
I just sent this to all my military friends who voted for Obama.
How about pay CUTS for Congress and the White House.
Thank you, I agree.
I guess that Hopey-Changey thing isn't working out as planned, eh government-hacks?
LLS
“Keep in mind that government workers have a very low wage except for the big wigs.”
Keep in mind that they retire early with enormous benefits and huge percentages of their salaries intact and can double dip...which I CAN NOT do. I know a lot of them who are ready to “retire” from their “jobs” (most of which are less difficult than any private sector job in the country) with 80%+ of their pay and full benefits...so save the violin music, professor...
Love your tag line!
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