Both remaining motions have been voted down, and Rep. Neil Anderson, R-Blackfoot, the committee co-chairman, now is offering a complex new motion.

Sen. Fred Martin’s CEC motion, for 3 percent merit raises plus a 2 percent cost-of-living adjustment, was voted down on a 5-12 vote. Rep. Phylis King’s motion for 3 percent merit raises plus a 1 percent cost-of-living adjustment for those with at least an "achieve" performance rating, for a total of 4 percent, plus renegotiating the state dental plan for a lower cost, failed on a 6-11 vote.

Sen. Mary Souza, R-Coeur d’Alene, argued against King’s motion. “The economy in other parts of Idaho has not picked up the same as it has within the bounds of Boise or Ada County,” she said, “and we have to be sensitive to the fact that the raises we are giving state employees across the state, but the majority live here, while they deserve that, it is going to be paid for by people all over the state, and that impacts everyone.”