The important work of putting together the state’s budget for the upcoming year is concluding as the various legislative sub-appropriation committees are finalizing their budget recommendations. During these meetings, UPEA lobbyists have been sharing the need to increase compensation funding for public employees.
Despite the budget difficulties that the legislature is currently experiencing, UPEA representatives have been able to encourage members of the appropriations subcommittees to prioritize funding for state employee compensation. Representatives Hutchings, Ward, Judkins, King, Winder, and many others have spoken publicly about the crucial problems our state agencies are facing in regards to recruitment and retention of quality employees.
In a presentation during the Public Employee Day on the Hill, the House Majority Whip, Representative Mike Schultz, R-Hooper, stated:
“Is the General Fund growing? Yes, it is growing slightly, but it’s not keeping up with the growth of the state. The main reason for the tax reform was to shift some of the [Education Fund money] into the General Fund… Our wages are growing faster than any other state in the nation, but we aren’t seeing that on the public employee side. That’s simply because we don’t have the dollars. In my opinion, [state employees] ought to be seeing 3-5% COLAs… we need to do a better job and we’re trying, I can tell you, we’re trying.”
PLEASE CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATOR AND ASK THEM TO SUPPORT A COMPENSATION INCREASE IN THE EXECUTIVE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE.
Please do not use state time or equipment. Please use your personal time, email address, and equipment to contact your legislator.