JFAC approves $177.4 million pay package, sets $1.55-per-hour minimum for state employees

The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee voted to approve a FY2026 compensation package that directs at least $1.55 per hour in pay increases for state agency and institution employees and includes targeted schedule adjustments for specific employee groups.

The motion, moved by Representative Miller and seconded in committee, passed with a committee-wide recommendation to carry the language forward after a roll-call tally that produced 18 ayes and 2 nays. Committee staff said the package represents $177,429,100 in total adjustments across general, dedicated and federal funds.

The motion funds a $1.55-per-hour increase per full-time equivalent position for permanent employees of state agencies and institutions, includes $2,305,700 allocated for community colleges, and provides schedule adjustments and targeted increases: 4.5% for information-technology and engineering positions, up to an 8% total increase for Idaho State Police troopers, and a $1.55-per-hour or 3% increase for nursing and health-care workers, whichever is greater. The package also includes $84,669,500 for public schools and the Idaho Educational Services for the Deaf and the Blind. Committee staff put the breakdown at $128,354,900 from the general fund,…