CEC panel adopts gov’s recommendation for 3% merit raises, covering insurance hike

Sen. Fred Martin’s motion to adopt the governor’s recommendation – 3 percent merit-based raises for state workers next year, plus covering the increase in health insurance costs so that doesn’t cut into any raises state workers receive – has passed the joint legislative CEC committee on a 12-6 vote.

Those voting yes were Sens. Marin, Lakey, Heider, Rice, Patrick and Ward-Engelking; and Reps. Hartgen, Romrell, Hotzclaw, King, Rudolph, and Anderson.

Those voting no were Sens. Guthrie, Thayn and Schmidt; and Reps. Anderst, Loertscher, and Mendive.