But the hard core reality is that if we simply fund all pending pay demands on top of core expenses, we will certainly drive our state budget into a deep deficit for years to come using even the most optimistic revenue projections. Either way, it is shortsighted and counterproductive to economic recovery, which is where revenues come from to start with. Fund the raises and expenses and hope like hell that the council's revenue projections are low. Fund the raises and cut other expenses. This would require massive cuts in core government programs including education, environmental protection and social services, not to mention probably running afoul of federal mandates.
Fund raises and reduce personnel.
This could work since a smaller, better-paid work force is ideal, but would require abandoning our sacrosanct warm body policy as attrition alone would not balance our budget. Fund raises, wholly or partially, only if offsetting government efficiency measures, including civil service and collective bargaining reform, privatization, and public employee health fund reform, are also implemented. This is the best option, since it offers a way to compensate devoted employees adequately while maintaining core government programs. Fund no raises under any circumstance. This is a watershed issue for so many.