SB1292: OK Proposed 9% Salary Increase for State Workers

Failed bill means no new salary increases for State workers

This article was written with the assistance of ai software*

Photo byrickey123

What did SB1292 want to accomplish?

SB1292 wanted to give a 9% pay raise starting July 1, 2024, to state employees, including both full-time and part-time workers. This raise would apply to everyone who was working for the state on the last working day of June 2024.

However, some people wouldn't get this raise, like elected officials, top state leaders, and employees at most universities, except for those at the George Nigh Rehabilitation Institute.

The bill also explained what would happen with the raise for employees who were on leave without pay or who get their jobs back after being away. The raise can’t go above any limits set in the state’s budget or by law.

Who would benefit from this law?

✔️State Employees: Full-time and part-time state workers, including temporary and limited-term employees, will get a 9% pay raise if they were employed on the last working day of June 2024.

✔️Employees on Leave or Reinstated: State employees who were on leave without pay or who get their jobs back after being away will still receive the pay raise.

✔️State Workers Not Covered by Other Rules: Employees who are not in positions excluded by the bill, such as those at certain universities or in high-level positions, will see a boost in their pay.

✔️State Workers' Families: With the pay increase, state employees might have more money to support their families, improving their quality of life.

What are some concerns people might have about this law?

Some of these may be reasons why the bill failed to pass:

⚠️Exclusions: Certain high-level employees and those at most universities won't get the raise, which might create feelings of unfairness or dissatisfaction among those excluded.

⚠️Budget Strain: The 9% pay raise could put extra pressure on the state budget, especially if there are budget limits or financial constraints.

⚠️Limited Impact: The pay increase might not be enough to significantly improve the financial situation of state employees, especially if they were already struggling.

⚠️Immediate Changes: The emergency clause means the law takes effect right away, which might not give state agencies enough time to adjust their budgets or processes to accommodate the new raises.

⚠️Potential for Budget Conflicts: If the pay raise exceeds the limits set in the state’s budget or by law, it could lead to conflicts or issues with how state funds are allocated.

This bill was introduced on 2/15/24 by Senator Roger Thompson [R]. Due to a lack of support, missed deadlines, committee action, leadership decisions or veto, this bill failed to pass and will not be signed into law.

➡️Is this something that you think Oklahomans need? How would it have benefited the county you live in?

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