Gov. Mark R. Warner announced his commitment to guarantee a 2.25 percent salary increase for state employees at a press conference Monday morning, said Del. Mitchell Van Yahres, D-Charlottesville.
Pending a vote by the General Assembly next Wednesday, the proposed pay raise would become effective in December for classified employees -- those whose positions are funded by the Commonwealth -- and for teachers in January 2004, Van Yahres said.
Some state workers who may be affected include those at the Department of Motor Vehicles, the Virginia Department of Transportation and correctional offices and rehabilitation service centers, said Joan Dent, executive director for the Virginia Governmental Employees Association.
Warner Spokesperson Ellen Qualls could not be reached for comment yesterday.
The pay raises also would affect University faculty members, excluding wage employees and Medical Center employees, whose salaries are determined by the University, said Dave Ripley, University director of compensation for human resources.
University officials recognized the positive impact of Warner's promise.
"I am thankful that Warner is making this effort in helping our employees," University Provost Gene Block said. "It's a small amount of money, but the intent is there."
A considerable amount of workers both inside and outside the University will be affected by the salary increase. Including faculty and classified staff, the Commonwealth employs over 100,000 people, Ripley said.
"I don't think many people were expecting a pay increase," he said. "We haven't had any increases for three years, so 2.25 percent above nothing is a considerable amount."
Dent said it was not originally certain whether the raise would be possible.
"The original salary increase proposal was part of the budget bill written in February, but it was contingent on economic conditions, so employees were uncertain as to whether or not they would receive a raise," Dent said. "The governor is saying now that if the money is not there he will generate funds by making further cuts to the budget."
If the Commonwealth does not gain sufficient revenue during the remainder of the year, Warner will call a special General Assembly session in mid-October to address making budget cuts in other programs, Van Yahres said.
"I have mixed emotions about this," he said. "While our teachers and employees do deserve a pay increase, I have reservations about cutting money from other programs."
Yoke San Reynolds, University vice president for finance, said she supports Warner's proposal, despite the possibility of cuts to other programs.
"I think that it was a good move on [Warner's] part," Reynolds said. "The fundamental issue is that it is always a question of tradeoffs -- if you increase funding for one program, you're going to take it away from somewhere else unless you somehow generate more revenue."
Warner's proposal received support from other organizations throughout the Commonwealth.
"Given the extraordinary budgetary times the state finds itself in, we recognize the significance of the Governor's commitment," Virginia Education Association President Jean Bankos said.
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