California state workers oppose proposed $400 million pay cut amid rising living costs

The California State Senate's Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 5 convened on May 20, 2025, to discuss critical issues surrounding state employee compensation and budget proposals. A significant focus of the meeting was the potential cuts to state worker salaries, which have raised concerns among union representatives and employees.

Several speakers, including union members from various state departments, voiced strong opposition to the proposed $400 million reduction in employee compensation. They highlighted the challenges of living in California, where inflation and rising costs have made it increasingly difficult for state workers to make ends meet. Calvin Yang, a state scientist, emphasized the unfairness of the state reneging on previously agreed compensation, while Melissa Hokey criticized the lack of fiscal responsibility in prioritizing unnecessary expenditures over fair wages for state employees.

David Egan, a member of SEIU Local 1000, urged the committee to reject the governor's proposal, arguing that honoring existing contracts is essential for maintaining trust and morale among state workers. Other speakers echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of fair compensation in light of the demanding work state employees perform, especially during crises.

In addition to discussions on employee compensation, the subcommittee also reviewed modifications to the SB 678 grant program, which aims to provide stability for probation departments and reduce prison populations. Josh Gaugard, representing the chief probation officers of California, supported these modifications as a balanced approach to addressing the state's budget deficit.

The meeting concluded with a call for continued dialogue between state officials and local communities regarding the potential closure of a new prison, emphasizing the need for local input in such decisions.

Overall, the subcommittee's discussions underscored the tension between budget constraints and the need for fair compensation for state workers, as well as the importance of collaborative governance in addressing public safety and corrections issues. The outcome of these discussions will likely have significant implications for state employees and the broader California community.