Hoyer Praises Adherence to Federal Employee Pay Parity in President's Budget

WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD) praised the Obama Administration ‘s FY2011 budget released today for following the bipartisan principle of pay parity, providing an equal adjustment in pay for both civilian federal employees and military personnel serving in non-hazardous locations. The proposed adjustment is 1.4% for both.

"I am pleased that the President's budget this year will uphold our commitment to the bipartisan principle of pay parity," stated Rep. Hoyer. "While the economic downturn means that we cannot provide an adjustment equivalent to those in the past, parity remains an important bipartisan tool to help us maintain the high quality federal workforce providing key services to Americans during these challenging times."

Since the beginning of the new Administration, Rep. Hoyer has made clear he believes that the tough economy means that federal employees' pay adjustments will be significantly reduced but at the same time stressed the importance of respecting the bipartisan principle of pay parity.  Hoyer secured a commitment from the Obama Administration last year that parity would be included in the FY2011 budget.

"Civilian federal employees have made significant contributions to help our country respond to the challenges we face both domestically and abroad," stated Hoyer.  "From implementing programs helping to invest in our nation's economic recovery to working side-by-side with military personnel to ensure the safety of our citizens, America's federal workforce strives every day to move our country forward."