Gibbons proclaims state employee week

In an astounding bit of irony, Gov. Jim Gibbons has issued a proclamation recognizing state employees, who are none too happy with him for his efforts to balance the budget largely by slashing their salaries.

As noted by the Las Vegas Gleaner, Gibbons on Monday signed the document attesting to state employees' "initiative, expertise, honesty and integrity," saying they "always seek ways to use taxpayer resources wisely and implement high-quality services at a lower cost" and expressing "appreciation for their professionalism, hard work and sacrifices."

Gibbons' January budget proposal sought a 6 percent reduction in state employees' pay as well as cuts to their benefits. Last week, the governor said he would balance the budget in the face of further declining revenue by seeking further salary cuts.

On Monday, legislators approved 4 percent pay cuts for schoolteachers and unpaid furloughs amounting to a 4.6 percent cut for other state workers.