Years ago (30+) when people joined state service they knew that their salaries would be less than the private sector.  State employees had to take a long-term view:   Upon full retirement  there would be a pension and  medical benefits.  This was accepted by public unions.

These days our state's unfettered capitalism results in GET as the answer to fund  the Trojan horse rail and other government functions (penalizing the poor), housing that most cannot afford, tourist attractions
(providing lower paying jobs to build and serve tourists), and loss of agricultural lands.  In order for state employees to survive...state salaries needed to be increased.  Give the public unions their SHAKA...because their goal was to increase their membership and to take care of them...not for the state as a whole.  

What would help:  Our legislators  considering rent control,  public unions no longer able to negotiate salaries,  and a serious review of GET with consideration of other means of taxation.