Arkansas chief fiscal officer says there will be no raises for state workers next fiscal year.
Department of Finance and Administration Director Richard Weiss presented the governor's balanced budget recommendation to legislators Tuesday (1-12). Weiss says any salary increases in the pay plan will be suspended under Gov. Mike Beebe's budget.
Weiss explained to legislators that economic indicators show the economy will slowly improve, but the state has to hold the line on its budget through fiscal year 2011.
Tuesday's hearing marked the start of the budget process in advance of next month's fiscal session. It will be the first time the Legislature has conducted an annual session.