THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, August 25, 1995 TAG: 9508250006
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A16 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 33 lines
I would like to offer additional information regarding your report on the use of wage employees within state government (``Examine limit on wage work, state auditor says,'' July 25).
Governor Allen is committed to reducing the size and scope of state government, not only reducing the number of full-time employees but also decreasing the use of wage employees. A review of the actual employment figures clearly illustrates that the governor is following through on this commitment.
On June 30, 1994, the number of wage employees totaled the equivalent of 13,142 full-time employees. On June 30, 1995, that number was 10,303. That is a reduction of 2,839 or almost 22 percent in wage employment.
Last December, Governor Allen instituted a hiring freeze. A wage employee can be hired only when an agency demonstrates a critical need.
Governor Allen will continue to pursue his administration's efforts to guard the taxpayers' dollars.
MICHAEL E. THOMAS
Secretary of administration
Commonwealth of Virginia
Richmond, Aug. 3, 1995 by CNB