Some of the alleged cuts include cost of living increases state workers were slated to receive, but didn't, and they took a 3% pay cut. The pay cut is definitely a cut. COLAs, or cost of living adjustments are periodically expected in a lot of fields of work. If you expect to earn more next year, and then you don't, it sure feels like a cut to future income. So that seems debatable to me as to whether it's an actual budget cut or not.

The more important subject, and I'm surprised it hasn't had it's own thread here yet, is the Gov's proposed 1/2 cent temporary (3 yr) sales tax increase to help close the budget gap. Given that a "cuts only" budget will further slash funds for education, particularly higher ed, how do you think the budget gap should be closed? When I looked at the budget changes to college education over the past 3 years, I'm inclined to vote for the increase so long as it includes the sunset clause. I don't know when the economy will recover, but I want any tax surcharge to require continual renewal; otherwise it sunsets.

Sg