>>>Well how many years of programming / vfp experience did you have when you started your Job?
>>>
>>>BOb
>>
>>Programming as a hobby 13 years. VFP none. But I've been here a year now. So I have a year of experience. :)
>>
>>-Michelle
>Then you would qualify for a Programmer I slot here and for that you would get paid the princely sum of 23K.
Does the Texas state government make any distinction between the cost of living in Dallas and, say, Laredo? It sounds like they pay close to federal wages, which make only slight regional cost of living adjustments.

If you don't mind me being nosy, why do you stay in government? The UT crowd has seen what you can do.