Rep. Neil Anderson, R-Blackfoot, has proposed a motion to fund 2 percent in raises for state workers next year: 1 percent of that to be permanent, and 1 percent as a one-time bonus. He also included an additional $99,000 amount to boost pay for those state workers who are at the minimum pay for their pay grade. The motion also calls for covering the $12.7 million in increased employer share for health insurance costs next year that Gov. Butch Otter has proposed covering with state general funds.

With this approach, Anderson said, “At least we have the option to protect the state to some degree from making commitments that we can’t meet, depending on what happens with the economy.” The motion encourages similar treatment of workers whose positions aren't funded by the state's general fund.