JFAC approves compensation package: $1.55/hour minimum, targeted increases for troopers, IT and health workers

The Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee on Feb. 6 approved a compensation package that provides funding equivalent to $1.55 per hour per full‑time equivalent (FTE) for permanent state employees and includes targeted adjustments for several workgroups.

The motion, moved on the floor by Representative Miller, directs $84,411,100 to implement $1.55 per hour per employee for state agencies and institutions; sets aside $2,305,700 for community colleges (calculated as a 5% placeholder because community colleges are not state employees); provides $6,042,800 for salary‑schedule adjustments for employees at the minimum of their pay grade; adds an additional 4.5% adjustment for IT and engineering positions; funds adjustments for Idaho State Police troopers up to an 8% total increase; and provides funding for nursing and health‑care workers to receive either $1.55 per hour or 3%, whichever is greater. The motion also included $84,669,500 for public schools and the Idaho Educational Services for the Deaf and Blind. Committee staff presented a total cost of $177,429,100 across general, dedicated and federal funds.

The language adopted directs agencies to provide pay increases between $1.05 and $1.55 per hour except in specified circumstances described in the motion and requires reporting to the legislature if agencies use existing resources to provide increases above $1.55 per hour. The Division of Human Resources and the Office of the State Controller are directed to develop a monthly report identifying pay changes and use of CEC funds.

Debate reflected differing views. Senator Ward Engelking and Senator Wintrow opposed the motion, arguing it does not sufficiently address pay compression and higher‑wage employees above roughly $64,000. Ward Engelking said the package does not solve pay and retention issues for more highly paid, skilled employees and urged further work next year. Senator Cook, Senator Woodward and other supporters argued the package balanced a minimum cost‑of‑living recognition with targeted increases for critical occupations; Cook said she would support the motion despite reservations. Several members warned the flat minimum could create compression and “use it or lose it” distribution effects.

Representative Miller moved the motion; it was seconded. The committee clerk recorded the roll call. The clerk reported the Senate vote and the House vote; the motion passed and will carry a due‑pass recommendation to the floor.

Committee staff emphasized the motion is intended to be incorporated into the maintenance bills already before the committee and to provide both a baseline minimum increase and targeted adjustments for occupations with acute recruitment and retention challenges. Staff also highlighted statutory sections in Idaho Code that require legislative involvement in salary schedule changes and market adjustments, which the motion is designed to follow.