A bill cutting government salaries by 10 percent across-the-board was brought to the floor of the House of Representatives on Friday.<\/p>\n
Rep. Absalon Waki Jr. introduced the three-page bill, which also bore the signatures of House Speaker Oscar M. Babauta and Reps. Cinta Kaipat, Francisco Dela Cruz, and Jesus N. Lizama.<\/p>\n
House Bill 15-115 was initiated by the Fitial administration in lieu of a work-hour reduction. The measure seeks to slash government personnel costs.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Legislature recognizes that the Commonwealth in recent years has expended funds in excess of the available revenues and that a substantial financial deficit has grown as a result,\u201d reads a portion of the bill.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Legislature has concluded that a reduction in the uniform salary schedules for Commonwealth government employees is necessary to prevent further deterioration in the Commonwealth\u2019s financial situation, and hopefully prevent a reduction in the government workforce,\u201d the bill added.<\/p>\n
The wage reduction would take effect on the pay period following the date the bill becomes law.<\/p>\n
The administration expects the bill\u2019s smooth passage in the Legislative Branch. Fitial\u2019s Covenant Party rules both houses.<\/p>\n
Speaker Babauta, a close ally of the governor, said the proposed legislation would undergo review by the appropriate House committee. He added that comments on the bill would be sought in a public hearing.<\/p>\n
The Executive Branch originally planned to reduce government work period by four hours a week. But difficulty of implementation and allegations of inequity prompted it to junk the initial plan and push instead for a legislated salary reduction.<\/p>\n
Press secretary Charles P. Reyes Jr. had said that compensation cuts were simpler and could be implemented faster.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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