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Primary Sponsor

Last Action

Ref To Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House2026-04-28

Vote Breakdown

No floor votes recorded.

Plain Language Summary

This bill increases salaries for public school employees (teachers, principals, and staff), state employees, and community college workers effective July 1, 2026. It provides a 7% salary increase for most state-funded employees, enhances sick leave benefits for state workers, and provides a 3% cost-of-living adjustment to certain retirees. The bill appropriates approximately $939.8 million for salary increases and $250 million for retiree adjustments.

Arguments in Favor

• •Supporters argue this bill addresses recruitment and retention challenges in education and state government by making salaries more competitive.
• •Public school employees have faced salary stagnation relative to other states, making it difficult to attract quality teachers and administrators.
• •The increased pay helps address workforce shortages in critical areas and provides long-overdue cost-of-living adjustments for current workers and retirees whose incomes have declined in purchasing power.

Arguments Against

• •Opponents may argue the bill represents significant state spending during uncertain budget times, requiring $1.2 billion in appropriations.
• •Some express concerns about the general 7% increase for all state employees rather than targeted raises for lower-paid or hard-to-fill positions.
• •Critics might question whether retiree cost-of-living adjustments of 3% are sustainable long-term and whether the state should prioritize other budget priorities like infrastructure or tax relief.