Hawaii is going through some tough times. We’re facing a budget shortfall just like many other states. I hear so many things from both sides, but what gets me the most is that when the state has a shortfall in revenues, State workers think that it’s unfair that the State cuts back on expenses by furloughs and/or layoffs.
Let me make this perfectly clear, I appreciate any service that anyone provides, public or private. We’re not talking military or people who risk their lives to help others. That’s different, and I think we owe them much more than just gratitude. I’m talking about the vast majority of public sector workers.
Hawaii is experiencing tough times. The governor has already done a lot to trim expenses and increase revenue BESIDES affecting the payroll. Now that we are experiencing another of 3(?) revised shortfalls, public sector workers are fighting against payroll reductions.
I believe there is compromise to be had, but to use the argument that payroll reductions are unfair is RIDICULOUS. In my opinion, Hawaii has too many state workers. I read that California has a 1.5% rate of state workers in the population, where as Hawaii has 3%. It’s fair to assume that some inefficiencies are there.
I do believe we need furloughs and/or layoffs. While I feel for the people affected, the State should operate just like a business. Raising taxes or digging into coffers of other public funds is a crutch that no private business has the luxury of using.
For the love of God, please, this is not about private vs. public sectors. This is about being reasonable and financially responsible. I’m willing to compromise, but to not expect any payroll reduction is crazy.
And one more note, slightly related, in some situations Unions make sense, but for the vast majority of cases, it doesn’t. I think as a country we should really consider how we use Unions. Unions are hurting the country more than helping in today’s day and age in my honest opinion.