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JFAC accepts CEC report recommending across-the-board adjustments and targeted trooper pay boost
Summary
The committee accepted the Change in Employee Compensation committee's recommendations including a 3.2% shift in primary pay schedules, targeted specialty schedule increases, a $1.55-per-hour general increase per FTE (with agency flexibility), and an up-to-8% trooper pay adjustment to address retention.
The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee accepted the Change in Employee Compensation (CEC) committee report, which details recommended adjustments to state pay schedules and benefits.
Senator Dan Foreman, CEC co-chair, presented the committee's recommendations. The report proposes shifting the primary compensation schedule upward by an average of 3.2% (with an exception that pay grade D minimum remain $7.25 per hour). Specialized schedules shifts recommended were 3.2% for public safety, 3.0% for IT and engineering, and 3.5% for nursing and health care. The report also recommended the legislature fund a $1.55-per-hour increase per full-time position (FTP) with flexibility for agency heads and institution presidents to allocate those funds.
Targeted increases and clarifications: the CEC recommended an up-to-8% salary increase for Idaho State Police troopers (pay grade L) to address a retention and staffing crisis described by the committee. For IT and engineering salary schedules, the committee recommended a 4.5% increase. For nursing and health care positions, the committee recommended funding the greater of $1.55 per hour per FTP or 3%. The presentation said appropriation levels for FY2026 should increase from $13,000 to $13,960 per FTP; the CEC did not vote on insurance appropriation for school districts and recommended those be handled within that budget.
Concerns raised during discussion: Senator Ward Engelking spoke against the level of the recommended increases for some employees, noting high vacancy and turnover (citing a roughly 19% vacancy/turnover figure discussed in the meeting) and that many state salaries remain below market, which she said risks further employee losses. Representative Tanner asked how the trooper figure was determined; Foreman replied the recommendation was driven by a public safety concern and retention problems, noting an example in ISP District 2 that the committee described as operating at roughly 50% manning.
How the committee acted: Co-chair Horman asked unanimous consent to accept the CEC report; Senator Woodward seconded and no objections were recorded, so the report was accepted.
What happens next: JFAC members said they will have more time to examine the CEC recommendations during upcoming budget hearings; the committee's acceptance makes the recommendations available for consideration in appropriation decisions but does not in itself appropriate funds.
