Suspension of merit pay raises proposed
by Robert Travis Scott - Times-Picayune (excerpt)

BATON ROUGE -- Responding to a state budget shortfall, the state Civil Service Commission has proposed a one-year suspension of the 4 percent merit pay increases that are awarded to classified state employees typically on an annual basis.

The seven-member commission will consider the proposal at its June 3 meeting, at which time it may formally adopt the measure.

"Our state government is facing an unprecedented budget crisis in the coming fiscal year," commission Chairman James Smith said. "These difficult and challenging times call for fiscal prudence and shared sacrifice among all of us who serve our fellow citizens."

The amendment would affect about $34 million in merit money during the next fiscal year, although the long-term impact of the freeze would be much greater. The budget bill is still being debated in the Legislature.