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Lawmakers debate pay formula for state employees; motions withdrawn, matter deferred
Summary
JFAC members debated competing approaches to change-in-employee-compensation — a flat dollar-per-hour increase vs. a percentage/merit-based approach — but substitute and original motions were withdrawn and the committee deferred the issue for further work.
The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee took up change-in-employee-compensation (CEC) proposals for FY2026 and engaged in extended debate over two approaches: a flat-dollar increase for all permanent employees (a $1.55-per-hour uplift) as recommended by the CEC committee and a percentage/merit‑based substitute (a 4% or $1.55, whichever is higher, plus targeted market adjustments for IT/engineering and other job classes).
Representative Furness moved the CEC package that included $1.55 per hour for permanent employees (with additional targeted increases: 8% for Idaho State Police troopers, a $1.55-or-3% increase for nursing/healthcare workers, and a 4.5% market adjustment for classified IT and engineering positions). Senator Cook offered a substitute motion that proposed a 4% or $1.55 (whichever is higher), also with targeted increases.
Members debated the policy choices at length. Proponents of the flat-dollar approach said the $1.55 increase is more progressive in percentage terms at lower pay levels and better targets entry-level retention; supporters of the substitute argued that merit and percentage-based adjustments better preserve competitiveness for critical mid- and upper-skill positions and avoid putting upward pressure on comparable private-sector wages.
Multiple committee members raised practical concerns and requested clarifying numbers. Staff updated tally sheets and attempted to reconcile school support numbers and which IT positions (classified and nonclassified) were included. Both motions were amended on the floor; after extensive discussion and revisions the substitute motion was withdrawn by its sponsor and the original motion was also withdrawn by unanimous consent so staff could update documentation and packet figures.
Ending — The committee chose to postpone final action on CEC to allow staff time to reconcile public-school amounts, properly include nonclassified IT positions, and present final numbers; members were scheduled to reconvene for maintenance budgets the following morning with the CEC matter to be finished later.
