Senator Marsalais introduces 4% pay raise bill for North Dakota state employees

The Senate Appropriations Government Operations Division Committee convened on February 3, 2025, to discuss a proposed pay raise for state employees in North Dakota. Senator Richard Marsalais, representing District 9, introduced the bill on behalf of the Teachers Association, although he admitted he was not fully familiar with its details.

The proposed legislation seeks to implement a 4% pay increase for state employees every biennium. While the bill is supported by the Teachers Association, it does not specifically address teachers' salaries. Instead, it aims to benefit all state employees, including those in various government roles.

During the meeting, committee members engaged in a brief discussion about the bill's implications. Senator Marsalais confirmed that the pay raise would provide state employees with increased funding and higher wages. Molly Harrington, the Chief People Officer for North Dakota, attended the meeting to observe the discussions surrounding the bill but did not provide formal testimony.

The committee's conversation highlighted the importance of supporting state employees through financial incentives, reflecting ongoing efforts to enhance compensation for public service workers in North Dakota. The next steps for the bill will likely involve further discussions and potential amendments before it can be voted on by the committee.