A Kansas House committee has approved raises for corrections officers in the state’s prisons, but didn’t approve any across-the-board raises for state workers. Some members of the committee noted that many state employees haven’t received a raise since 2009. House Appropriations Committee Chairman Ron Ryckman said they might be able to consider raises for more workers if efficiency recommendations from a recent state spending study are put into effect.
“Every one of us could come in here and talk about one group of people who needs a raise and hasn’t had one since 2009. We know this, but we haven’t done the work yet to allow it to happen and still be responsible for the balancing of our books,” said Ryckman.
The House Appropriations Committee approved its version of the budget this week. The full House could debate the bill as soon as next week.
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(House Committee Approves Targeted Raises for Some Workers) x 2
A Kansas House committee has approved targeted raises for corrections officers in the state’s prisons, but the panel didn’t approve any across-the-board raises for state employees. Some members of the committee noted that many state employees haven’t received a raise since 2009. Republican Representative Mark Hutton said lawmakers have limited resources and need to target spending to areas where there’s the greatest need.
“In the business world, if I need carpenters I don’t raise my secretaries’ salaries. You address what you can where you can,” said Hutton.
House Appropriations Committee Chairman Ron Ryckman said if lawmakers implement efficiency recommendations from a study of state spending they may be able to consider raises for a wider range of employees. The full House could debate a budget bill as soon as next week.