Parson wants nearly 9% raise for state workers
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)
Missouri Gov. Mike Parson said Wednesday that he wants an 8.7% cost-of-living raise for all state workers.
The plan also includes a $2-per-hour bump for congregate care staff working evening and overnight shifts, according to a release from the governor's office.
"There is no question that the recruitment and retention of state employees have been a severe problem for our state, and we must do better," Parson said in the release. "This is why we are again recommending an immediate cost of living increase for our state team. With 7,000 positions open across state government, this wage increase is necessary, and it is the minimum we must do to support our state workers and the people of Missouri."
The recommendations were part of a supplemental budget request for the current fiscal year that was given to lawmakers Wednesday, according to Parson's office. They must be approved by the General Assembly and Parson's goal is to have them in effect by March 1.
State Rep. Crystal Quade (D-Springfield), the top Democrat in the General Assembly, said in a statement that the House Budget Committee could use the plan as a starting point but more needs to be done.
"As a starting point, the governor’s proposed pay raise for state employees has merit," Quade said. "But it isn’t nearly enough to end Missouri’s sorry status of having the worst average state worker pay in the nation. A couple years of modest improvement simply isn’t enough to overcome decades of shortchanging state workers with annual raises that ranged from the miniscule to the non-existent."
The recommendations come during a fiscal year in which Missouri logged a record budget surplus thanks in part to federal COVID-19 relief funding. Parson's plan would require about $150 million in spending this fiscal year, which ends June 30.
Heads of the departments of public safety, social services, corrections and mental health all praised the plan in the governor's office release.
“The $2 an hour shift differential for the congregate care workforce at 24/7 state-operated programs is very important," said Department of Mental Health Director Valerie Huhn. "It acknowledges that increased pay is needed for the State of Missouri's front line team members who work during hours when other staff are home with their families.”
Lawmakers have also said they want to permanently increase teacher pay during this legislative session, a move recommended by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Parson will highlight his budget for the coming fiscal year during his State of the State address next Wednesday.
