Legislature’s Version of the State Budget Avoids Suspending Salary Increases and Delays Possible Salary Reductions

Legislative leadership has announced agreement between the Senate and Assembly on a legislative version of the 2020-2021 State Budget. The Legislature has proposed its own version of the budget modifying the Governor’s proposed May Revision budget. While there is still a long way to go before a final state budget agreement is reached, the “Legislature’s Version” of the budget differs from the Governor’s May Revision in significant ways concerning state employee compensation.

The Governor’s May Revision budget proposal would suspend all planned pay raises for July 1, 2020 and would also temporarily reduce employee compensation by 10 percent. The temporary cuts would be “triggered off” if federal money is received by the state.

The Legislature’s Version instead assumes that congress will pass an economic stimulus package, noting there is “growing confidence” that federal funds will be received. If the federal funds are not received by September 1, 2020, trigger cuts for employee compensation would be authorized effective October 1, 2020. The details of the proposed employee compensation reduction authority are not yet published in bill form.

The Legislature’s Version notes that it “excludes proposed savings related to employee pay and suspending employee pay increases.” If this version of the budget were adopted, it would not authorize the Administration to furlough state employees or cut pay. It is uncertain whether the Governor could (or would) take action through the state budget process to suspend the planned July 1, 2020 salary increases. The Legislature also notes that state employee unions are being asked to agree to cost saving reductions through the collective bargaining process. The results of collective bargaining could also impact compensation for related excluded employees.

The Legislature’s Version of the state budget has not been published in bill form. The details of the employee compensation sections of the budget will matter. Negotiations between the Legislature and the Governor over the treatment of state employee compensation will continue with a budget resolution expected by the June 15 constitutional deadline. ACSS’ legislative advocates will be there to continue to protect the interests of excluded employees.