Otter wants 5 percent for state employees, teachers

Raises averaging 5 percent should be granted for all state employees – including teachers, Otter told legislators just now. Lawmakers interrupted him mid-sentence with applause. “My budget proposes a 5 percent pay increase for all our state employees,” he said, adding, “And we must advance the important cause of ensuring that Idaho’s public school teachers as well, and to make sure that they are properly paid.” Actual amounts of raises for state employees are determined through a merit system, but the funding approved by the Legislature and governor determines the size of the pool.