In a move largely considered window dressing even by members of his own administration, Illinois Governor George Ryan offered to forgo raises for himself and his cabinet if state employees would agree to give up the raise they won in their last contract negotiations (see WIT's for March 15, 2002 and March 27, 2002). The executive director of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal employees has pointed out that with an annual salary of $150,000 the governor can easily afford to do without his 3.8% raise---unlike some state employees who support families on as little as $25,000 a year. In addition to giving up their 3.75 % raise, Governor Ryan wants state employees to take an unpaid one-day leave and agree to the privatization of a number of public services.
See "Ryan says he would forfeit raise if union does", CHRISTI PARSONS, Chicago Tribune, March 28, 2002