Attack on the Middle Class Continues: Trump Nixes Federal Pay Increase to Pay for the Tax Cut for the Rich
Civilian Federal workers comprise a significant portion of the middle class in most populous states, and this move keeps their wages stagnant. It will most likely have a ripple effect as well — keeping Federal civilian wages stagnant lessens the pressure in the private sector to raise wages to keep competitive. This will whiplash workers in California and other states where the rising economy has created significant inflation in housing and other items of high value.
The punitive move will certainly appeal to his hardened base supporters, especially the Qanon conspiracy inspired anti-deep state loons.
Text of a Letter From the President to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate
Dear Mr. Speaker: (Dear Mr. President:)
I am transmitting an alternative plan for pay adjustments for civilian Federal employees covered by the General Schedule and certain other pay systems in January 2019.
Title 5, United States Code, authorizes me to implement alternative plans for pay adjustments for civilian Federal employees covered by the General Schedule and certain other pay systems if, because of “national emergency or serious economic conditions affecting the general welfare,” I view the increases that would otherwise take effect as inappropriate.
Under current law, locality pay increases averaging 25.70 percent, costing $25 billion, would go into effect in January 2019, in addition to a 2.1 percent across-the-board increase for the base General Schedule. We must maintain efforts to put our Nation on a fiscally sustainable course, and Federal agency budgets cannot sustain such increases. Accordingly, I have determined that it is appropriate to exercise my authority to set alternative across-the-board and locality pay adjustments for 2019 pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 5303(b) and 5304a.
Specifically, I have determined that for 2019, both across‑the‑board pay increases and locality pay increases will be set at zero. These alternative pay plan decisions will not materially affect our ability to attract and retain a well‑qualified Federal workforce.