The McDonnell administration has warned that more cuts to the state’s budget might be necessary. But in an interview with Jimmy Barrett on WRVA yesterday, McDonnell indicated those cuts — of 2, 4 or possibly 6 percent — might include layoffs as well:
Layoffs for state employees are not out of the question as part of Gov. Bob McDonnell’s forthcoming two-year budget proposal, and pay raises for workers are unlikely, the governor warned Thursday.
“The time for belt tightening is far from over,” McDonnell said in his monthly appearance on WRVA (1140 AM), hinting at the possibility of agency eliminations or consolidations.
While McDonnell said he hopes layoffs can be avoided, putting the possibility out there signals that the days of hard choices have finally arrived.
McDonnell emphasized that point when asked about the possibility of a cost of living increase for state workers:
Noting that most employees last year received a one-time 3 percent performance bonus, McDonnell said the possibility of a long-term pay raise as part of the biennial budget is unlikely.
“I’m very concerned about the unpredictability of what’s going on in Washington and its impact on our revenues,” he said. “I will do the best I can to take care of you, your family and others, but there are still uncertain times ahead, and I don’t believe we’re going to have a sustained pay increase this year.”
This is all prudent. But it also means the next General Assembly session could be quite bumpy as the specifics of the budget reductions come under scrutiny. The fights to come, though, will serve a critical function: separating those who really want a smaller, leaner government from the rest.
