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Committee approves CEC package including $1.55/hr minimum increase, trooper and IT adjustments after heated debate
Summary
The Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee approved a statewide compensation package that funds a $1.55‑per‑hour minimum increase for permanent state employees and targeted adjustments—4.5% for IT/engineering, up to 8% for Idaho State Police troopers, and nursing/hc workers receiving $1.55 or 3%—after debate and a roll‑call vote.
The Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee on Feb. 6 approved a statewide compensation package to implement a Change in Employee Compensation (CEC) adjustment that funds a minimum increase of $1.55 per hour for permanent state employees and includes targeted schedule adjustments.
Representative Miller moved the motion to provide $84,411,100 to fund $1.55 per hour per permanent employee of state agencies and institutions, to include $2,305,700 for community colleges, $6,042,800 for salary schedule adjustments for those at the minimum of pay grades, additional funding for Idaho Military Division parity with federal compensation, 4.5% increases for IT and engineering staff, additional funding for Idaho State Police troopers (up to 8%), and additional funding for nursing and health‑care workers to receive $1.55 per hour or 3%, whichever is greater. The motion includes $84,669,500 for public schools and the Idaho Educational Services for the Deaf and Blind. Representative Miller moved the motion; Senator Groves seconded.
Committee staff described the package and the written language that will be appended to the maintenance bills. Staff explained that the motion’s totals equal $177,429,100 across funds: $128,354,900 from the general fund, $34,266,900 from dedicated funds, and $14,807,300 from federal funds. The $84.4 million figure funds the $1.55/hour floor; the remainder funds schedule shifts and targeted adjustments.
Several senators spoke in debate. Senator Ward‑Engelking and Senator Wintrow opposed the motion, saying it did not address pay compression for higher‑paid, highly skilled employees and did not meet statutory direction to provide a competitive salary package. Senator Cook, Senator Woodward and other supporters said the package balanced a minimum inflationary increase and targeted adjustments for high‑need job classes. Supporters and opponents both said they wanted continued work on broader compensation issues.
The committee conducted a roll call on the CEC motion. As read by the clerk, the Senate recorded 8 ayes and 2 nays; the House roll call as read recorded 18 ayes and 2 nays. The chair announced the motion has passed and will carry a due‑pass recommendation to the floor.
Staff explained the adopted language requires agencies to apply increases between $1.05 and $1.55 per hour except in specified circumstances, prohibits transferring new funding out of personnel to other expense categories, requires reversion and reporting if new funds are not used for pay increases, and mandates monthly reporting by the Division of Human Resources and the Office of the State Comptroller on pay changes.
Committee leadership asked staff to compile a list of additional salary requests outside the CEC to help the committee assess cumulative impacts.
Key figures: $84,411,100 for a $1.55/hr minimum provision; total package $177,429,100; funding split — $128,354,900 general fund, $34,266,900 dedicated, $14,807,300 federal. Targeted adjustments include 4.5% for IT/engineering and up to 8% for Idaho State Police troopers.
