The Joint Committee on Employment Relations voted unanimously today to nix a 2 percent pay raise for state employees that was expected to take effect next month.

Assembly Speaker Mike Sheridan, a co-chair of the committee, said the decision was one of the many "difficult but necessary" ones needed to close the state's deficit.

"With many Wisconsin families struggling to make ends meet in this worst economic crisis in generations, it is clear that we must hold the line on taxes as we work to address our budget deficit," said Sheridan, D-Janesville, in a statement.

The committee's votes included killing a pay increase for elected officials as well.

See the motions.

-- By Staff