Re: 2002 Pay Raise

The Senate on April 6th passed a Budget Resolution, H.Con. Res.83, that assumes pay parity between the military and civilian pay raises to be paid in January of 2002. The report accompanying the budget resolution, assumes the Presidents proposed 4.6 percent pay raise for military personnel will be similarly provided to all federal workers next year. The author of this language was Senator Pete Domenici (R-NM), Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee. Senators Paul Sarbanes (D-MD) and John Warner (R-VA) asked for its inclusion.

Since the House Budget Resolution includes language offered by Congressman Jim Moran (D-VA) expressing the Sense of the House of Representatives that there should be pay parity between military and civilian employees, we are in good shape for the next step, which is a conference committee to reconcile differences between the House and Senate budget resolutions.

In order for civilian employees to get a 4.6% raise next January, Congress must either pass it as part of a law or the President must issue a report indicating that this amount is called for in his discretion to issue an alternative pay plan. Congress has often included the civilian pay raise in the Treasury Appropriations bill, however, President Bush=s original budget blueprint and his more detailed budget proposal call for a 3.6% raise for civilians. It is, therefore, still important to show support for pay parity, so please continue to contact your Representatives and Senators and ask them to cosponsor S.Con.Res.17, introduced by Senators Paul Sarbanes (D-MD) and John Warner (R-VA) and H.Con.Res.62, introduced by Representatives Steny Hoyer (D-MD) and Tom Davis (R-VA).

I will keep you informed of actions regarding the 2002 pay raise as soon as they occur.

Colleen M. Kelley
National President