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Committee accepts compensation report recommending across‑the‑board and targeted increases for state employees
Summary
The Joint Finance Appropriations Committee accepted the Change in Employee Compensation (CEC) committee's recommendations, including an average shift of salary schedules by 3.2%, a $1.55‑per‑hour general increase option, and targeted raises for troopers, IT, and nursing.
The Joint Finance Appropriations Committee accepted the Change in Employee Compensation (CEC) committee's report, which recommended increases to state salary schedules and targeted adjustments for specific occupations.
Senator Dan Foreman, cochair of the CEC committee, presented the panel's recommendations, saying the committee recommended shifting the primary compensation schedule upward by an average of 3.2% (with an exception that pay grade D minimum remain at $7.25 per hour) and shifting specialized schedules by averages of 3.2% for public safety, 3% for IT and engineering, and 3.5% for nursing and health care. Foreman also recommended funding a salary increase equal to $1.55 per hour per full‑time position (FTP) for state employees, with flexibility for agency heads and institution presidents to distribute the funds.
The CEC recommended targeted increases for specific groups: up to an 8% increase for Idaho State Police troopers (pay grade L) to address chronic vacancies and retention, 4.5% for IT and engineering schedules, and for nursing and health care positions either $1.55 per hour per FTP or 3%, whichever is greater. The committee also recommended maintaining the current employee benefits package and did not propose changes to plan design.
Why it matters: CEC's recommendations inform appropriation requests that JFAC will consider during program maintenance and enhancement deliberations. Senator Ward Engelking voiced concern that employees making about $64,000 or more would not receive a 5% raise and emphasized high state vacancy and turnover rates (the transcript cited a 19% vacancy/turnover rate and being "25% below market rate" in some areas). Representative James Holdsclaw commended staff and highlighted the balance between managing public funds and recognizing employees.
Cochair Harmon asked unanimous consent to accept the CEC report; Senator Woodward seconded. With no objections, JFAC accepted the report by unanimous consent.
Next steps: JFAC members will consider these recommended compensation adjustments as part of program maintenance and budget decisions in the coming committee sessions; the CEC report acceptance does not itself appropriate funds.
