Comments on: Pennsylvania Budget Impasse 2009: Part 3

By: Rebel with a Cause

Rebel with a Cause — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 20:54:30 +0000

By the way the Right to Work Foundation’s website is: http://www.nrtw.org/a/a_3_s.htm

By: Rebel with a Cause

Rebel with a Cause — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 20:46:59 +0000

Given my union has failed me and pushes a political agenda that I can’t stomach anymore. I am resigning from the union and rejecting their fees. I will still have to pay the fair share, but they will have to account where it goes or I can file charges with the assistance of the Right to Work Defense League. These unions are nothing but pansies for politics. I am in the process of contacting my state representatives to endorse a bill that makes PA a right to work state so that I am not forced to pay for someone elses politics. It was obvious to me when it came to our strong armed secret ballot over furloughs and giving away the state’s contribution to my retirement that these people do not have my or any other state workers best interest at heart. My union encouraged us to wear a purple shirt to work on fridays to show solidarity. That is probably one of the most ridiculous things I have ever heard. Is that the best they can do? I hope others join me in the right to work movement. Ask yourselves, if you can’t be protected from going into financial ruin, what good are these overpaid liberal mouth pieces?

By: g-man

g-man — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 05:19:21 +0000

this is crazy. can we sue for 10k per paycheck? cuz ill try my hardest to gross that (being mandated EVERY SHIFT helps this at my building of work.)

By: Robin

Robin — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 21:31:32 +0000

Beth, the Union didn’t take them, the State gave them up. The State payroll run and payroll system is set up to take deductions out and so since they are running payroll they are running it as they ordinarily would. To do otherwise would mean they would have to either manually or programatically correct all those records where it was not withheld and then apply it to a future pay. Systemically it would likely be a problem to do so.

By: Beth Eileen Biby

Beth Eileen Biby — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 19:50:35 +0000

Just came back from my bank. I am trying to get a loan I should not need. I have talked to my creditors, with the lovely letter the governor has given me to help make them understand my situation. They understand, they do not care. Rightly so, why should they wait for payment of services rendered anymore than we should wait for our pay. There has been talk of a mass walkout I take care of our veterans with alzheimers. Unlike our illustrious governor I could never turn my back on people who gave service to this country. I also hope we all thanked our union for making sure they took their dues out of my already diminished pay. I am sure they are putting it to good use.

By: Sandman

Sandman — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 19:02:22 +0000

I would like for him to stop by my house and drink a beer with me. Then he would see that I am a 36 year old professional that provides a professional service to the commonwealth.

Any other business hiring me, would BY LAW have to pay my salary in a timely fashion, on the agreed upon pay day. If they didn’t I could sue for damages.

I want him to see that I don’t make as much as I would if were to be employed in private industry. But I offer the same kind of professional services.

If I leave, he will have to hire an IBM or Delloite contractor at about 5 times my hourly salary. I am contemplating jumping ship with 12 years of service.

By: Tired of Politics

Tired of Politics — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 01:16:17 +0000

Lawmakers cannot be paid their salary during the impasse but will continue to receive per diem payments. Also, their aides will receive their full salary during the impasse. Remember the governor’s comments prior to the impasse “I don’t want to hear any whining.” I guarantee he’s not hearing any whining from them.

Here’s a link to the story:

http://pafop38.com/2009/07/10/lawmakers-still-collect-per-diem-during-budget-impasse/

Gotta love his comment when asked what he thought about lawmakers and aides getting salaries and expenses paid while the state has no budget. His response “Do a poll and see what you get.”

Thanks for a great 7 years of service Eddie… Let’s pray you never get another opportunity to make a shambles of any other political office in this state or anywhere else.

By: Hoof Hearted

Hoof Hearted — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 16:54:55 +0000

Question:
I heard that the staff of the legislature will be paid with money that has been “socked away”.
True?
During this impasse, what happens to the legislature’s expense account access, state credit cards, and WAM(walking around money) and access to their state cars?

By: Robin

Robin — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 03:05:20 +0000

PGM…I also think I’d pursue another avenue. In the private sector we telecommuted frequently. I’d ask my manager if it is possible to telecommute in light of no pay and the cost of transportation. I realize that won’t work in many kinds of jobs (telecommuting state police, nurses, and prison guards creates quite an image eh?) but for some job tours it might work and if yours is one it’s worth putting the challenge to management to see how creative they can get.

By: Robin

Robin — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 03:02:55 +0000

PGM, you have my deepest sympathies…I get where you’re at! Rather than just a “walkout” type stay at home till it’s over, I’d take sick leave or vacation personally…and explain that you cannot afford the transportation costs without a paycheck if you must.

When confronted with the fact that many employees don’t qualify for the loans etc, the governor said he realized that and he hoped that maybe they could tap into friends and family for help till this passes. The only “friend” I have in Pennsylvania that is loaded enough for that is the Governor! What do you say we all ask HIM to help us out of his deep pockets??? He could be Daddy Warbucks to all of us Annies!