JFAC approves compensation package: $1.55‑per‑hour minimum increase, totals $177.4 million

The Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee on Feb. 6 approved a compensation package that funds a minimum increase of $1.55 per hour per full‑time equivalent (FTE) position for permanent state employees and makes targeted adjustments for community colleges, IT and engineering workers, Idaho State Police troopers and nursing and health‑care employees.

Representative Miller moved the motion and Senator Groves seconded. Committee staff summarized that the primary elements of the package are: $84,411,100 to provide $1.55 per hour to state agencies and institutions; $2,305,700 to fund a 5% equivalent for community colleges (staff said community‑college FTP data are not in the state personnel database); $6,042,800 for salary‑schedule adjustments at pay‑grade minimums; a 4.5% increase funded for classified and nonclassified IT and engineering positions; funding so Idaho State Police troopers may receive up to an 8% total increase; and funding to give nursing and health‑care workers either $1.55 per hour or a 3% increase, whichever is greater. The package totals $177,429,100: $128,350,490 from the general fund, $34,266,900 from dedicated funds and $14,807,300 from federal funds, according to the motion text.

Members debated the policy balance between a uniform floor increase and pay compression at higher salary levels. Senator Ward Engle King said she could not support the motion because it does not address salary compression for employees making more than about $64,000 and urged a longer‑term plan to address market competitiveness. Senator Wintrow expressed similar reservations. Senator Cook and Senator Woodward said they would support the motion despite concerns about managerial discretion and potential compression effects; other members characterized the motion as a compromise that provides a minimum cost‑of‑living floor while allowing institutions some discretion for additional merit or market adjustments.

The committee adopted the motion in a recorded vote. Committee staff reported the Senate vote was 8 ayes, 2 nays and the House vote was 18 ayes, 2 nays (committee record). The committee reported the motion passed and will carry a “due pass” recommendation to the floor. Committee staff and members said the language adopted by unanimous consent will be added into the maintenance bill package before floor consideration.