The Sacramento Bee reports the governor plans to propose yet another 5 percent paycut -- this time without giving a day off -- on state workers today. The move would save $500 million in next year's budget, the governor's office said.

To ACSS members: If you attended Lobby Day and have not turned in your expense claims, please do so immediately. We must report all Lobby Day expenses to our political action committee administrator. If you do not have a Lobby Day expense form, designated for this event, you can get one at headquarters by calling 800-624-2137. We have already extended our reporting deadline and it is crucial to get these forms in as quickly as possible. Mail them to: ACSS Headquarters, 1108 O St., Sacramento CA 95814.

State Worker columnist Jon Ortiz punctures holes in the common perception that state workers are pampered and overpaid. For example: Think all state workers retire into luxury? Think again. Their average pension is $27,000 a year.

In addition to slashing funds for schools and laying off 5,000 more state workers to help close the projected $24.3 budget gap, Gov. Schwarzenegger has proposed shutting the state's main welfare program, releasing nonviolent prisoners a year early and closing up to 80 percent of state parks.

The California State Teachers' Retirement System, in the face of a $22.5 billion funding gap, may ask the Legislature for higher pension contributions from the state, school districts and teachers. Unlike CalPERS, CalSTRS needs legislative approval to impose rate hikes. At least one legislator has suggested raising the retirement age as a way of lowering expenses.

The Sacramento Bee Capitol Alert reports Gov. Schwarzenegger today announced $5.6 billion in additional cuts, including cutting the CalWORKS program. Dropping the state's welfare-to-work program would save the state $1.3 billion.

Despite the results of Tuesday's election, SEIU Local 1000 continues to press for passage of AB 964, its proposed employment contract, and to promote cost-saving solutions for California. The MOU failed on its first vote in the Assembly.

The Legislative Analyst's Office released two sobering reports in the past two days. The "Overview of the 2009-10 May Revision" includes among its money-saving suggestions a third furlough day for state workers, extended through 2011, and the defeat of the proposed SEIU contract. The document also warns the administration's projected $21 billion shortfall may be too low by about $3 billion. "California's Cash Flow Crisis" gives the picture of the state's cash problems in graphic detail.

The DPA's Layoff Manual, with detailed and technical information on state civil service layoffs, is posted online. The manual is subdivided into separate pdf sections. This manual adds depth to ACSS' "Facing Layoff?" booklet, which gives you information in an easy-to-understand format. A DPA overview of the layoff process is here.

The State Worker columnist tries his hand at finding positions laid-off employees might transfer into. The result seems to be: not easy, not many. To keep up to date on layoff commentary and information, check columnist Jon Ortiz's blog.

Associated Press reports that Gov. Schwarzenegger will now look to close California's budget gap with cuts alone. He plans to meet today with state lawmakers to discuss options, which include cuts in education and health care and transferring prisoners to local and federal prisons.

From The Sacramento Bee: An independent commission voted 5-1 today to impose an 18 percent pay cut for statewide elected officials and all members of the Legislature. The commissioners said they were influenced by Gov. Schwarzenegger's announcement of 5,000 state job cuts and the results of yesterdays election.

California's voters shouted their feelings yesterday on the handling of the budget crisis by defeating each of five propositions with nearly a two-thirds margin and approving the sixth -- a measure that would freeze legislators' salaries in bad budget years -- by 74 percent.

Republican gubernatorial candidate Meg Whitman -- former president of eBay -- will cut 10 percent of the state's workforce if she's elected, she told CNN yesterday. The State Worker blog reports the story and links to the interview.

If you've received a layoff notice or expect you might be laid off, ACSS’ booklet, "Facing Layoff?" is full of information that could help you understand the process and your rights. We’ve just uploaded a 2009 PDF version. If you’d like a copy of our older printed version, email lholderness@calcsea.org. If you are an ACSS member and need advice or representation, call 800-624-2137. You also may be eligible for financial assistance from ACSS. The information on this program is on this site under Financial Assistance on the Labor Relations page.