State Senate approves cost-of-living raises for state employees

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State employees would receive their first cost-of-living raise in ten years under a bill approved by the state Senate on Tuesday.

Lawmakers approved a three percent pay raise 28-1.

Sponsored by Prattville-Republican state Sen. Clyde Chambliss, SB185 would provide the cost-of-living increase for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2018.

Gov. Kay Ivey applauded the approval of the bill.

“We depend on state employees every day – after a decade without a pay increase, it is time we honor their hard work and commitment with a sensible raise,” Ivey said in a statement. “State employees are vital to good government, and I appreciate the work they do for the people of Alabama each and every day. I commend sponsor Senator Clyde Chambliss, General Fund budget chairman Senator Tripp Pittman and the members of the Senate for adopting the full three percent raise I proposed. I urge the House to move quickly and follow the Senate’s lead.”

The bill now goes to the Alabama House of Representatives for consideration.