Committee acknowledges DAS report outlining $44.4M–$121.4M compensation changes for state employees
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Summary
The committee acknowledged a Department of Administrative Services report describing selective pay increases and reclassifications covering several employee groups; the agency estimated $44.4 million for the 2025–27 biennium and $121.4 million for 2027–29; at least one senator warned about budget pressure from reclassifications.
The Joint Committee on Ways and Means on Feb. 20 acknowledged a Department of Administrative Services report that details selective compensation increases and reclassifications for multiple employee groups across the executive branch.
Senator Anderson told the committee the report covers six groups of executive branch employees and two groups of non-state care provider employees, including the Association of Engineering Employees of Oregon, Department of Corrections employees, registered nurses at the Oregon State Hospital, parole and probation officers, non-state adult foster home providers and licensed exempt family childcare providers. The agency estimated the changes would cost $44,400,000 in total funds for the 2025–27 biennium and $121,400,000 in total funds for the 2027–29 biennium.
Senator DeRoz urged caution, saying the state faces broader fiscal pressure and criticizing reclassification-driven cost increases. "We have to stop this," DeRoz said, arguing salary growth is a major driver of cost and urging attention to overall salary levels.
The committee recorded no objections and acknowledged receipt of the report; the action was to accept the report rather than adopt a statute or appropriation in this meeting.
What happens next: the transcript records the committee’s acknowledgment; the report’s recommendations and any formal policy or appropriation changes would require future legislative action and appropriation.