OUR VIEW
Save state bonuses for public employees who sacrificed most

01/02/2004

Since the state has found almost $100 million in new money for this fiscal year, it makes sense to share that with the many state employees who have been working the past two years under hiring freezes and salary caps. Employees sacrificed extra hours and did more with less. Gov. Minner's $500 bonus for their efforts is legitimate recognition of the 16,000 state employees, especially if the governor and Legislature approve a regular pay raise for next year.

What seems out of kilter is the governor's decision to award public school teachers, State Police, Delaware Technical & Community College, the University of Delaware and Delaware State University employees with the same bonuses. These people operate under collective bargaining agreements or other arrangements. Many of these employees get annual step increases in their base pay, or additional money because of seniority or rank. While these operations did see non-critical operating expenses cut and were subjected to the state hiring freeze, their employees did not suffer or sacrifice to the same degree as most other state employees. To the governor's credit, there were no layoffs.

Gov. Minner decided to ask the General Assembly to cover all those who get a state paycheck because, she has said, everyone experienced the effects of the economic downturn. Well, some did more than others, Governor.

We support the governor's efforts to enhance the pay of hard-working state employees who felt the burden of salary and hiring freezes. But the General Assembly should thoroughly examine whether everyone who gets a state paycheck falls into that category and tailor bonuses accordingly.