2000-03-28                     Senate Journal                      Page 2760
SB 298                                                                       
SENATE BILL NO. 298 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE                              
BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled:                                          
                                                                               
An Act relating to the compensation of certain public                         
employees and officials not covered by collective bargaining                   
agreements; and providing for an effective date.                               
                                                                               
was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee.                 
                                                                               
Fiscal note published today from Office of the Governor.                       
                                                                               
Governors transmittal letter dated March 27:                                   
                                                                               
Dear President Pearce:                                                         
                                                                               
Following the historical practice of extending collective bargaining           
agreements to non-union state employees, I am transmitting this bill           
relating to salaries for partially exempt and exempt employees in the          
Executive branch, legislative and judicial employees.                          
                                                                               
The bill provides for cost-of-living increases the same as those               
provided in the collective bargaining agreements that my                       
Administration has reached with the 12 unions representing state               
employees: a lump sum payment of up to $1,200 (prorated at $50                 
per pay period) for fiscal year 2001, a two percent increase in fiscal         
year 2002, and a three percent increase in fiscal year 2003.                   
                                                                               
                                                                               

2000-03-28                     Senate Journal                      Page 2761
SB 298                                                                       
I believe these modest increases will maintain parity in state                 
employee pay and help all three branches of government recruit and             
retain qualified employees. I urge your prompt and favorable action            
on this measure.                                                               
                                                                               
					Sincerely,                                                                
					/s/                                                                       
					Tony Knowles                                                              
					Governor