Public workers’ lot too cozy

Don Brockett’s “Not much sacrifice” letter of Nov. 28 attacked the continued raising of public servants’ incentives.

Gov. Gregoire, on an open line of Q-and-A of Nov. 24, stated that she has to cut the budget by $2 billion. But 75 percent of the budget, which includes state pay rates/benefits, is off limits/sacrosanct because it is written into law. That leaves only 25 percent of the state budget of $9 billion, the portion that supports our least able population – the disabled, mentally ill, injured vets and seniors – to bear the brunt.

This means no COLA cuts, because they cannot be taken away due to law – only postponements, later to be paid back.

However, we all know that many of these public servants’ benefits are beyond sustainable, but nobody is willing to attack this “elephant.” Meanwhile, never mind our less able, most small business persons struggle to make ends meet, most with significantly lower pay than public servants and no pensions.

Begin now to change the laws to allow cuts in the other 75 percent so our least able are not unduly impacted.

Come on, people, let’s work to finally ensure fairness. Keep this building.

Oscar W. Kelly

Spokane