Several proposals to slash future spending increases ? including canceling cost-of-living adjustments for state workers and eliminating about 1,000 vacant government positions ? drew heavy criticism from Maryland lawmakers Tuesday.
In hearings to refine an itemized list totaling $760 million in budget cuts, both Democrats and Republicans in the General Assembly?s House appropriations committee Tuesday questioned a proposal to eliminate a 2 percent cost of living increase for state employees, saving about $62 million.
Combined with higher costs for their retirement, thousands of state employees already will see less take-home pay even without further cuts, analysts said. Union representatives warned lawmakers they are “hemorrhaging” qualified employees who are leaving state government for the private sector.
“The frustration of the job combined with the little reward is driving good employees away,” said Flo Jones, a foster-care worker for 30 years. “We need more workers, we need more resources and we can not do more with less.”
Funding for 1,000 vacant positions can be deleted without disrupting operations, saving another $27.6 million, analysts said.
Lawmakers have not rendered final decisions on any of the 49 proposals, which include $320 million in cuts in Gov. Martin O?Malley?s legislative plan to close the state?s $1.5 billion structural deficit.
But Del. John Bohanan, chairman of the education and economic development subcommittee, suggested O?Malley?s proposal to modify an education funding formula known as Thornton is all but guaranteed, saving $190 million.
Pointing to recent property tax reductions in 17 of the state?s 24 jurisdictions, Bohanan said the Thornton plan is largely responsible for the state?s projected deficit.
