| Comment Number: | OL-10507820 |
| Received: | 3/14/2005 3:25:16 PM |
| Subject: | Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, Request for Comment |
| Title: | National Security Personnel System |
| CFR Citation: | 5 CFR Chapter XCIX and Part 9901 |
| No Attachments |
Comments:
I am writing with concern over future salary increases in the new NSPS system. From what I understand about the proposed plan is that the aggrigate amount is assured through 2008. Doesn't this mean that the wages can't be lowered through 2008? What about raises? The cost of living has been increasing dramatically over the past few years with the rise of oil prices driving up home heating and transportation costs which in turn has driven the price of almost everything else, ie. groceries as well as many other basic living needs. If wage increases are not guaranteed for us federal employees and we have less to spend on groceries, vacations, resturants, clothes and entertainment; doesn't this effect the rest of the economy adversily? If I don't have my increase to spend as I see fit then the extras will have to be done without which, in turn, will mean the waitresses, tourist attraction attendants. shop owners and employees will all make less and in turn lower their own spending. All this leads to less employees needed, less money being pumped into the economy due to a higher unemployment rate and a snowballing effect. I personally am a single father with two daughters who live with me full time. My oldest is looking at starting college in less than three years and my youngest in under seven. With less money in the future, and what I make now going to pay for the basics that we have, how is the new NSPS plan going to guarantee me the ability to help my children go to and finish college when it will do away with annual pay increases and only guarantee that at least the same money will be there for the next three years. This is a very legitimate concern since I'm only a WG-8 making about $35,000 a year for a household of three. Today, once the basics are paid there is not much left over for saving for college or extras. If the increases may or may not be there tomorrow and if they are there is much uncertainty as to the amount. Remember this, what you do today effects everyone today as well as the next generation tomorrow. Please assure that changes are made to NSPS to retain future job and pay security for us all.