State employees will get a raise, many for the first time in a decade. Hundreds of millions are set aside for water infrastructure as the state faces prolonged drought. Her office did not respond to questions seeking that clarification. The House amended the raise on March 7 and the Senate concurred this evening. The Senate gave final approval Friday to a four-year package of raises for state employees that includes $3,500 in bonuses to help stem a surge in worker retirements. Take away federal money and pandemic extensions, and Arizona is left with a bare-bones unemployment insurance system. The children of a Phoenix resident filed a lawsuit against a Phoenix mortuary on Monday after their mother's body was mistakenly cremated. Gov. In addition, full-time workers would receive a $2,500 bonus in mid-May and another $1,000 bonus in mid-July. The improbable bipartisanship was enabled by an unprecedented surplus topping $5 billion, allowing for a broad array of new spending and savings. GOP leaders decided to just take the easy road out, the path of least resistance and give up and just spend, said Sen. Michelle Ugenti-Rita, a Scottsdale Republican who voted against the budget. Instead of one rate for district schools and a higher rate for charter schools, the money will instead be distributed per student at identical rates. These class-specific raises are in addition to the 3.25% raise and lump-sum payments and will also go into effect July 1, 2022 and be reflected on the July 25 paycheck. WebFY 2022 Appropriations Report - General Fund Salary Adjustments for State Employees Since FY 2012 and Salary Adjustments for Elected Officials Created Date 8/4/2021 4:55:37 PM Doug Ducey is expected to sign the $18 billion budget approved by the Legislature this week. It is unclear whether Gov. The premium pay started flowing to 17,291 of the states approximately 35,000 workers on Nov. 27. 2305. And the minority party convinced Republicans to strip an expansion of the states school tuition organization program out of the budget. The Senate completed action on a bill Thursday evening that will provide pay raises for state employees whose wages are outlined in state code. Doug Ducey quietly tapped $95 million in federal coronavirus relief money in November to boost pay for state troopers, prison guards and workers in several other state departments deemed essential. The same is true at other agencies, according to a spreadsheet of classifications earning premium pay provided by the state Department of Administration. That is one provision I am glad to see in here, Rep. Reginald Bolding, D-Phoenix, remarked, adding that Speaker of the House Rusty Bowers, R-Mesa, had been instrumental in getting the measure, which will allow agencies to request DPS to conduct independent investigations, into the criminal justice portion of the state budget. Both measures will allow laid-off workers to take on more part-time work. Left and right arrows move across top level links and expand / close menus in sub levels. Every single budgets bad, Gray said. Tiny majorities in both chambers meant opposition from a single Republican lawmaker was enough to sink the budget if Democrats were united in opposition. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The added funding includes phasing in funding for low-income students starting at $50 million in the upcoming fiscal year and growing to $100 million in three years and special education. Web2022 Top Companies; Morning Scoop. Jeffrey Hawkins, president of the Arizona State Troopers Association, said the premium pay is sorely needed at the agency that not only patrols state highways but does investigations, runs a crime lab and does many other law enforcement jobs. Average annual pay before overtime for non-supervisors is just over $70,000. "It really was just a stopgap to start trying to stop people from leaving because all the agencies around us have received considerable pay raises and we were still so far behind," Hawkins said. Bipartisan budget boosts school funding, state employee pay raises, transportation. 2023 The Conneticut News Project. Arizona Revised Statute (A.R.S.) While annual retirements usually range from 2,000 to 2,500 per calendar year, more than 3,400 state employees have either retired or filed their written intentions to do so between January and March 31, 2022 alone. Kay Ivey approved of the step changes prior to the boards decision. I dont think we have a competitiveness problem here in Arizona, Rep. Kelli Butler, D-Paradise Valley, said, citing the, made in the state since its implementation and the states meager tax collections. The budget also includes a provision that caps the revenue the state receives from sports betting at 10%, which Kingman Republican Rep. Regina Cobb said it was needed to keep the state competitive with states like Nevada. Hundreds of millions are set aside for water infrastructure as the state faces prolonged drought. The budget expands the state's Court of Appeals to 28 judges from 22 judges. Budget impasse:Republican fighting over promises, big spending stalls Arizona budget plan as deadline looms. In a time of intense partisan divisions see recent debates over school curriculum, transgender rights, abortion Republican leaders reached across the aisle to get the state's spending plan across the finish line when their own members objected. 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That sentiment was echoed by Sen. Rick Gray, a Sun City Republican and the Senates majority leader, who said this was the first true bipartisan budget hed been a part of during his legislative career. We were trying to get people not to retire well, thats not what this agreement does, said Sen. Craig Miner of Litchfield, ranking GOP senator on the Appropriations Committee. Butler and her colleagues worried about capping the states collection at 10% when there is off-the-rails profit coming from the industry, adding that they are concerned about rising gambling addiction rates. March 10, 2022. It also eliminates the state equalization tax, a property tax for education, and backfills it with $330 million from the general fund. Arizona lawmakers approve bipartisan $18 billion budget, Students ill after coming into contact with weed killer at Arizona elementary school, Fishermen find remains of missing man inside shark, New Funding Bridges Gap Between Communities, Prison, nonprofit and restaurant raise funds for underage DUI, drug programs, Car theft victims family speaks out after woman pleads guilty to murder. There is ample evidence that this is a fair contract, a reasonable contract, an affordable contract, she said of Connecticuts wage hikes. Lawmakers in the House and Senate ended a months-long impasse, working through the night to approve the budget shortly before sunrise. "Frankly, a majority of this budget does not align with the priorities of Democrats," Senate Minority Leader Rebecca Rios, D-Phoenix, said in a statement. 1/. Last Name (Optional First Name with no comma), Arizona State Retirement System (employees), Public Safety Personnel Retirement System, Psychiatric Medical Program Administrator, Health Care Cost Containment System - AHCCCS. "So acknowledging the importance of these positions at this time where staffing is such a big issue across the board, we thought this was a good thing to do.". PHOENIX Governor Doug Ducey today expressed appreciation and gratitude for state workers on Arizona State Employee Recognition Day, thanking them for their dedication to serving the residents of one of the fastest-growing states. Lawmakers also agreed to technical changes in a formula for distributing money to schools and $4 million each for school testing and 2022 election costs. Ned Lamont pitched an income tax cut in CT. Heres an overview of his proposal, Lamont, legislators heading for a battle over CT spending cap, State Employees Bargaining Agent Coalition, Proudly powered by Newspack by Automattic. All rights reserved. With this budget, were putting those dollars to good use and investing in priorities that Republicans and Democrats alike can agree on.. I dont believe, fundamentally, that this agreement is fair at all.. The result is a booming economy with record revenues, Ducey said in a statement. Arizona Department of Administration. Sen. Martin Quezada, a Glendale Democrat, spoke out against plans to spend $335 million for a wall on the southern border, which he said would be useless in stopping people from crossing. Ducey hailed the deal, saying his policies of limited spending and regulation cuts can be credited for the surplus, although massive federal COVID-19 relief money also was a major contributor. That view was not shared by some of her Democratic colleagues. Today were living in a post-COVID world, where employees and not employers are ruling the job market, said Sen. Cathy Osten, D-Sprague, co-chairwoman of the Appropriations Committee. Graham said the possible costs of the increases are not available. The larger raise for troopers came out of debate about locality pay for state troopers in competitive areas, particularly Berkeley, Jefferson and Morgan counties. Hundreds of millions are set aside for water infrastructure as the state faces prolonged drought. Arizona state employees get raises without needed OKs. 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WebHeres an example of the formula to be used for a qualified retiree with 20 years of service at the time of retirement: $11.49 X 20 years of service = $229.80 annual PBI, divided by 12 months = $19.15 increase to monthly benefit payment. She said agencies dont have to increase employees pay if it would be a financial burden to the office. Sen. Greg Albritton, R-Range, the Senate General Fund budget committee chairman, said he wasnt aware of the increases until after their approval. December 9, 2014 Leave a comment. Get CT Mirror briefings with enterprise reporting, investigations and more in your inbox daily. WebHeres an example of the formula to be used for a qualified retiree with 20 years of service at the time of retirement: $11.49 X 20 years of service = $229.80 annual PBI, divided by 12 months = $19.15 increase to monthly benefit payment. PHOENIX Governor Doug Ducey today expressed appreciation and gratitude for state workers on Arizona State Employee Recognition Day, thanking them for their dedication to serving the residents of one of the fastest-growing states. 1228 Magnolia Curve, Montgomery AL, 36106. Please see our republishing guidelines for use of photos and graphics. "We werent competitive at that rate," Hawkins said. Nobody loves a budget once all the compromises are made, said Senate Majority Leader Rick Gray, R-Sun City. December 9, 2014 Leave a comment. This was not an easy process but this is what a negotiated budget compromise looks like, said House Minority Leader Reginald Bolding, a Phoenix Democrat. Sen. Martin Quezada, a Glendale Democrat, spoke out against plans to spend $335 million for a wall on the southern border, which he said would be useless in stopping people from crossing. Arizona State Retirement System (employees) Ghaddar Samer. In the House of Representatives, most of the budget bills garnered at least 40 votes in the 60-member chamber. Now, this budget isnt perfect. 0. GOP and Democratic leaders agreed to add $526 million in new ongoing funding for K-12 schools, a substantial increase from the GOPs initial proposal. PHOENIX (AP) Arizonas legislature approved a bipartisan $18 billion spending plan early Thursday that will make substantial investments in public schools, build new highways and pay down long-term debts. Arizona state officials gave pay raises to 169 government workers without getting the required approval from the Department of And it puts another $425 million in the rainy day fund to help the state weather a potential recession. For 2023, lawmakers approved a 4% raise for state employees. News Release. The cost of living in each state; She says Arizona normally offers 26 weeks of payments; about the same as other states. Every single budget's bad, Gray said. Contents of this site are Copyright 2023 Kingman Miner and Western News&Info, Inc. All rights reserved. KTARs Community Spotlight focuses on the Boys & Girls Club of the Valley and the work to incorporate esports into children's lives. From families with school-age children, to the 35,000 state employees to motorists seeking a smoother drive, the budget has money for many of their needs. News Release. Arizona's legislature approved a bipartisan $18 billion spending plan early Thursday that will make substantial investments in public schools, build new highways and pay down long-term debts. Photo by Jerod MacDonald-Evoy | Arizona Mirror. As part of House Bill 1, also known as the executive branch budget, state employees will receive an 8% across-the-board raise in the next fiscal year. Only a handful of dissenters from each party voted against the package of bills, and Republican Gov. Long-serving state employees may be eligible for pay increases of up to 10% over the next few years. The plan also allocates $1.25 billion for state debt and pension obligations. For 2023, lawmakers approved a 4% raise for state employees. May 6, 2022 Updated May 7, 2022. That includes $544 million for border security, roughly half of it for a wall, and $1 billion for highway construction, including widening Interstate 10 north of Casa Grande. And a separate bill spends $335 million to construct a border fence along 17 miles of the states border with Mexico. The Senate gave final approval Friday to a four-year package of raises for state employees that includes $3,500 in bonuses to help stem a surge in worker retirements. Reporter Jerod MacDonald-Evoy joined the Arizona Mirror from the Arizona Republic, where he spent 4 years covering everything from dark money in politics to Catholic priest sexual abuse scandals. The budget also includes a bigger write-off for people who donate to qualified charities and foster care organizations. It is unclear whether Gov. She says Arizona normally offers 26 weeks of payments; about the same as other states. By: Jim Small and Jerod MacDonald-Evoy - June 23, 2022 5:24 am. May 6, 2022 Updated May 7, 2022. Sen. Sean Bowie, a moderate Phoenix Democrat, joined with moderate Republican Sen. Paul Boyer to push for more school funding, noting that in all more than $1 billion in new school funding was in the plan, with more than half ongoing. A starting correctional officer earns just over $35,000 a year before the 20% premium pay. GOP and Democratic leaders agreed to add $526 million in new ongoing funding for K-12 schools, a substantial increase from the GOPs initial proposal. Arizona Department of Administration. But Osten said the agreements are essential to maintain a state workforce that is at its smallest size since the 1950s, an argument Lamont has made as well. $225,000.05. State employees will get a raise, many for the first time in a decade. A second teenage boy has been arrested in connection with a fatal drive-by shooting earlier this month in midtown Phoenix, authorities said Monday. The state Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry and the Department of Public Safety have been struggling to hire and retain officers, in part because of wages that are low or uncompetitive. Every single budgets bad, Gray said. Web2022 Top Companies; Morning Scoop. WebDeputy Chief Investment Officer. Photo by Jerod MacDonald-Evoy | Arizona Mirror. Expanding the court will give RepublicanGov. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Arizona's unemployment payments haven't been raised in 17 years, but this year two bills are being considered by lawmakers that could move the state up a bit, from second-lowest pay to 38th place. That includes $544 million for border security, roughly half of it for a wall, and $1 billion for highway construction, including widening Interstate 10 north of Casa Grande. The Lamont administration, labor leaders and other supporters of the increases have said they believe unions could have gotten even larger raises had they rejected the states offer and gone to arbitration. Republicans last year cut $1.7 billion in income taxes. That includes $544 million for border security, roughly half of it for a wall, and $1 billion for highway construction, including widening Interstate 10 north of Casa Grande. WebRaise Corporate STO Cap by $2 M; Increase Individual STO cap by $250/$500 in FY 24 (2.0) (11.9) (13.0) 10 Expand Vets Property Tax Exemption to all Disability Levels (Savings in '24) (Separate Bill) Yes - see ADE Yes - see ADE Yes - see ADE 11: Eliminate State Equalization Tax Rate see ADE see ADE see ADE A second teenage boy has been arrested in connection with a fatal shooting. 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