3% merit raises for state workers OK’d

The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee has voted unanimously, 19-0, in favor of funding 3 percent merit raises for permanent state employees next year, as recommended by both Gov. Butch Otter and the Legislature’s joint Change in Employee Compensation Committee, and building that cost into every state agency budget it sets. It also approved a 3 percent increase in the state’s pay scale system, as recommended by both the governor and the CEC panel. The total cost to the state general fund is $18,522,700. In total funds, it’s $38 million/ Betsy Russell, Eye on Boise. More here.