Complete disbelief

Check out this article: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/custom/thrifty/orl-budget10met08dec10,0,1524896.story?page=1

If you don't want to read it all, at least check out this suggestion on page 2:
Government operation $400M: Cut salaries of all state employees by 5%

I'm in utter shock honestly. I know that the state is in dire straights and I realize we have to cut budgets and all that. But I honestly can't believe they are even considering cutting state employees' salaries by 5%. That is a lot of money. Excuse my language, but WHAT THE FUCK ARE THEY THINKING??? Most agencies haven't given raises, bonuses, or even a freaking cost of living increase in 3 years. And now they want to REDUCE people's salaries? Most state workers barely make enough as it is. I know that for me to even GET CLOSE to what an attorney makes with the same level of of experience, I'd have to get a 14% RAISE. And no, that is not even to try and get close to what private attorneys make, that is just to get close to what I would be considered for if I transferred to another state job. Since I've been practicing for over 2 years, I would be considered for a Senior Attorney position - and the 14% increase would get me just at the LOWEST price point for senior attorneys. I'm sorry, I know it's the state and they don't treat their employees well, but I am flabergasted. I know I shouldn't be shocked by this, but I really just had some hope that they would treat us better. But I'm telling you, if they go forward with this salary cut, I could definitely see a lot of state employees finding other jobs. The benefits are not THAT great.

There are so many other programs that they could cut. For once I totally agree with something Senator Storms said: Instead of doing across the board budget cuts, look for programs that we created when we had the money but that are not truly necessary or needed right now. And get rid of those since we now don't have the money for them. That makes sense. And quit buying stuff..... this whole CSX contract really pisses me off. I mean, I'd love to have a commuter train in Florida (not that it would benefit any of us up here, but whatever), but is it an absolute necessity right now?? NO! It could wait until we have money in the budget again - or at least aren't considering cutting state employees' salaries. UGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm so frustrated and annoyed right now it's not even funny!