Quinn Cuts Staff Salaries After Criticism

Since the words "holds his ground" aren't generally used when describing Illinois Governor Pat Quinn, it's not much of a surprise that Quinn has done an about face after receiving criticism on salary raises given to some of his staff over the past year and a half. According to the Tribune, Quinn is rolling back the salaries of his top staffers via furlough days -- the amount of unpaid days off will be doubled to 24 from 12, which will save the state around $18 million in fiscal year 2011. Only $12,982,000,000 to go!

A Quinn spokesperson previously defended the raises, saying they were "based on re-evaluated work output, additional duties and overall performance." But the political heat was too much for Quinn in an election year, especially as the state can't pay its bills, and the attack ads practically write themselves. Of course that's not how Quinn framed it. In a statement released by his office, Quinn said:

"Today's Administrative Order is the first directive under the Emergency Budget Act of Fiscal Year 2011 aimed at further cutting state spending... Unprecedented times call for unprecedented measures, and I thank our hardworking state employees for their dedication in getting Illinois back on track."

Not that they had any choice. Quinn also wants the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees union "back to the bargaining table" to discuss more unpaid days off for its members, something that will certainly receive some push back. AFSCME spokesman was quoted by the Trib as saying union employees have already made a "tremendous sacrifice" and that the "demand for public services is higher than ever... our members are working harder than ever to provide those vital services."