Democrats are criticizing a proposal to cut the pay of some state workers. The House Appropriations Committee approved a budget plan this week that would trim the pay of government workers making over 40 thousand dollars per year. Shortly before passing the budget, the committee voted to exempt legislative staff. That move drew opposition from some Republicans and Democrats, including Paul Davis of Lawrence, the top Democrat in the House.
Supporters of the pay cut say it’s needed to help the state balance the budget in the face of a nearly 500 million dollar deficit. The Appropriations Committee also voted to cut the pay of state officers by 7.5 percent. That would include legislators, judges and agency heads. The full House will likely debate the budget proposal next week.