3 percent pay raise for goes into effect for thousands of state employees
Thousands of state workers will see a three-percent pay raise on Monday thanks to the first cost-of-living raise Alabama state employees have seen in a decade going into effect. The raise is the result of a bill passed by the legislature and signed into law by Gov. Kay Ivey back in March. It gives Alabama’s 33,000 state employees a cost-of-living increase — the first across-the board increase since 2008. State Auditor Jim Zeigler is celebrating the “COLA” or cost of living adjustment day, that happens to coincide with the state of the fiscal year: Oct. 1, 2018. “October 1 is the three-percent cost of living adjustment in salary for state employees. It was done without a tax increase and without incurring debt – made possible by Alabama’s increasing economy and some efficiency measures,” said State Auditor Jim Zeigler. “COLA Day does not mean soft drinks. It means the first pay raise for employees in almost a decade. With better management, state employee pay can be raised more often. The need for raises will be greater as inflation is starting to enter this booming economy.”
State Senate approves cost-of-living raises for state employees
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.
Alabama Senate committee OKs state employee pay raise
Thousands of state workers could see pay raises in their futures under a the 2019 General Fund budget a legislative committee approved Wednesday. The Senate Finance and Taxation General Fund Committee approved SB178, which would go into effect Oct. 1, that gives Alabama’s 33,000 state employees a 3 percent cost-of-living increase — the first across-the board increase since 2008. The proposed budget also Provides a total increase of $80 million to the Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) to help improve staffing and the treatment of mental health in the state’s prison system; Adds $53.8 million to the Alabama Medicaid Agency; Provides funds to hire roughly 30 new state troopers. The spending bill, introduced by Montrose-Republican, State Sen. Trip Pittman now moves to the Senate floor.
State House approves Education budget, teacher pay raise
The Alabama House of Representatives unanimously approved the 2019 Education Trust Fund budget on Tuesday after a few hours of debate. State lawmakers voted 102-0 to approve the $6.6 budget which provides a 2.5 percent pay raise for education employees in K-12 and two year colleges, a funding boost for pre-kindergarten by $20 million as well as additional programs, and funding for 197 more teachers in middle school grades. The bill now moves to the Alabama Senate.
$6.6 billion Education budget funds pay raise, heads to House floor next week
The Alabama House Ways and Means Education Committee on Wednesday unanimously approved a $6.6 billion education budget on Wednesday. The 2019 Education Trust Fund budget provides a 2.5 percent pay raises for education employees in K-12 and two year colleges, boost funding for pre-kindergarten by $20 million as well as additional programs, and fund 197 more teachers in middle school grades. “This budget reflects high-priority for classrooms and for supporting teachers, and that’s where the money ought to be,” said Interim State Superintendent Ed Richardson during budget talks on Monday afternoon. He said it’s a “strong budget.” Tuscaloosa-Republican and Committee chair state Rep. Bill Poole said he expects the budget to be on the House floor next Thursday. If passed, it will go into effect Oct. 1.
Decatur Ala. employees to get 1.5 percent raise
After several months of negations and hold-ups the Decatur City Council on Monday approved a 1.5 percent cost-of-living increase for city employees that will go into effect in January. The Decatur Daily reports the raise was held up after the previous council earmarked $600,000 for pay increases, but failed to designate how $240,000 of those dollars would be spend, leaving the decision to the new council, which took office earlier this month on Nov. 6. The controversial wage increase was approved 3-2. Council President Chuck Ard and members Paige Bibbee and Charles Kirby voted in favor the raise, while Kristi Huskey and Billy Jackson voted against it.
Alabama teachers are getting a raise
Most Alabama teachers will get a 4 percent raise in 2017. Thanks to the Alabama Legislature, which gave final approval to the state’s education budget Thursday. Working teachers and other school employees would get a 4 percent pay raise if they now make less than $75,000 per year, and employees with higher pay would see their pay go up by 2 percent. It’s the first take-home pay increase in years for Alabama public school teachers. Lawmakers have sent the $6.3 billion budget, which provides funding for K-12 schools, community colleges, four-year universities and other programs on to Gov. Robert Bentley for his signature. “Alabama’s future sits in classrooms today, and our state’s teachers and support staff work hard to prepare students for success,” said Bentley after the budget’s passage. “In my State of the State address in February, I prioritized a pay raise for teachers and support staff, and I commend the Alabama Legislature for passing this important piece of legislation. Alabama’s commitment to education is strong, and with this pay raise, state leaders are sending a clear message of support to our invaluable teachers and other support staff,” said Bentley.
