House and Senate budget writers have – for now – agreed on the pay package for state employees.
House Appropriations Committee chairman Jeff Delzer (R-Underwood) says the plan would give state workers an average of three percent raises per year for the next two years – and raises would be based on performance. Governor Dalrymple had proposed a “4 and 4” plan – with the extra one percent going into the retirement plans.
"It's a revenue deal," said Delzer. "We're at least $4 billion less on the one-time spending side, and $550 million down on the on-going side. So we have to make some adjustments."
The “3 and 3” plan also eliminates the equity pool for state workers who are paid substantially below market.
Delzer says his committee is looking at everything the Governor proposed – including the number of new employees, buildings on the college campuses and other items – to reduce proposed spending. But he and Senate Appropriations Committee chairman Ray Holmberg (R-Grand Forks) say adjustments will be made after the March revenue forecast.