Community groups protest Schwarzenegger’s plan to cut state employees’ pay

Governor Schwarzenegger unveils his budget proposal today in Sacramento. The plan to close the state’s $20 billion deficit includes permanent pay cuts for state workers.

The governor’s proposed pay cuts would replace the furloughs Schwarzenegger enacted last year to help balance the budget. Right now, most state employees stay home three days a month without pay. Some prison employees work those three days without pay. The furloughs are equivalent to a 14-percent pay cut.

The governor would replace the furloughs with permanent pay cuts beginning in July.

Astrid Campos with California Partnership, a coalition of community groups fighting poverty, says she fears permanent wage cuts could push state workers over the edge.

"It would definitely put them at risk of losing their homes, being unable to take care of their families," Campos said. "They’re already struggling. They’re doing the furloughs in hopes that this is temporary."

The governor will also propose that state workers increase retirement contributions. Both plans require legislative approval.

Worker unions and community groups plan to rally today in Hollywood, Fresno and San Diego to protest the plans.