SELECTIVE PAY RAISES IN CORRECTIONS

                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, January 29, 1992                   TAG: 9201290325
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A-12   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short
SELECTIVE PAY RAISES IN CORRECTIONS
I FULLY understand that times are very hard, and that all state employees must pull in their belts. I have no problem with the decision to put a hold on salary increases. I do have a problem with state agencies selectively circumventing legislative and gubernatorial intent by suddenly discovering the "need" for reclassification of positions.
The Department of Corrections has upgraded majors, effective in December, from grade 11 to 12, with grade 13 planned for the next budget year. In addition, I understand that assistant wardens on up are programmed for grade increases in the next biennium.
With all other corrections employees being held where they are, the ramifications for morale are obvious. What is particularly galling within Corrections is that they are increasing the pay of people who serve simply as buffers between the director and the people who do the work.
I believe that this sort of absurdity strikes at the integrity of the budgetary process and ill serves the commonwealth. BALDWIN P. JENNINGS JR. STAUNTON

by Archana Subramaniam by CNB