State workers deserve more

State employees have worked for years with only a few small raises, but insurance premiums were increased, negating the raises. Their compensation overall is not equal to the private sector. Yet they are dedicated workers doing this job because of the need of people in distress.

I am outraged that they must take alternate Fridays off without pay, as well as several other days without pay, until the fiscal year end. Then more cuts are coming. Now many of them need second jobs and yet still try to keep the same high level of service to those they serve.

It’s an insult to them when one is “indirectly paid” to retire early. A total of $72,781 is approximately 36 years of state contribution to the retirement of a line worker. The state should remember that these workers are taxpayers, too. Making them sacrifice over and above the average taxpayer is ludicrous.

The state always makes cuts from the bottom. They should remember that it’s the “bottom” that cares for their constituents. See a state worker? Thank them for their sacrifices to care for those in distress, working with fewer resources than they had. They deserve better from the state.

Joy Carpenter

Moyie Springs, Idaho