Issue: Should Public Workers, State Politicians Get Pay Raises Now?

State lawmakers and other high officials are getting a 5.3 percent pay raise in December, thanks to the independent California Citizens Compensation Commission.  Meanwhile, U-T San Diego reports: “Carlsbad this week became the first government agency in San Diego County to base pay increases on employee performance instead of granting automatic raises based on years of service.”

In Sacramento’s case, the raises are restorations of pay cuts made during recent years.  And another U-T story noted: “Commissioners argued the state’s improved financial picture makes this the right time to offset cuts imposed two years ago as state workers faced furloughs.”

The economy may be improving, but deep pain persists. 

Do public workers and office-holders deserve pay hikes at this point—whether by commission or employee evaluations?  Or should Sacramento and local governments hold off on raises until revenues justify them? Share your thoughts in the comments.