3 PERCENT RAISE FOR STATE WORKERS INCLUDED IN BUDGET

Budget negotiators have opted to give state employees a 3-percent raise for the upcoming fiscal year, a position proposed by the governor and supported by the Senate. The House of Representatives had wanted to give employees a flat raise of $1,056, which would have put more money in the pockets of lower-paid state employees and given smaller raises to higher-paid workers.

Under the 3-percent plan, an employee making $100,000 will get a $3,000 raise while an employee earning $20,000 will get a $600 raise. State employee groups had urged budget negotiators to accept the House position, which House Democrats successfully passed through the chamber earlier this year after several years of trying.

House Committee News

The Budget Committee approved supplemental appropriations(HB 2019) for the University of Missouri for the Ellis Fischel Cancer Center at the Columbia campus and a Pharmacy and Nursing Building at the KC campus.

Special Committee on Tax Reform approved a bill (HB1661) that would allow residents from other states who work in MO to deduct property taxes from their state income taxes. This would create property tax equalization across state lines.

Special Committee on Energy and Environment heard a bill (HB 1326) that would give Missourians who buy hybrid vehicles a break on their state income taxes.

Special Committee on Student Achievement heard a bill (HB 1480) that would give the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education authority over public school extracurricular competitive activities.