And a separate bill spends $335 million to construct a border fence along 17 miles of the states border with Mexico. The Senate is adjourned until tomorrow, March 11, at 11 a.m. Arizona Mirror maintains editorial independence. News Release. Death knell for Arizona's funeral board:Why the change could put families at risk. WebRaise Corporate STO Cap by $2 M; Increase Individual STO cap by $250/$500 in FY 24 (2.0) (11.9) (13.0) 10 Expand Vets Property Tax Exemption to all Disability Levels (Savings in '24) (Separate Bill) Yes - see ADE Yes - see ADE Yes - see ADE 11: Eliminate State Equalization Tax Rate see ADE see ADE see ADE Arizona Revised Statute (A.R.S.) March 10, 2022. Arizona Mirror is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. The result is a booming economy with record revenues, Ducey said in a statement. Sen. Martin Quezada, a Glendale Democrat, spoke out against plans to spend $335 million for a wall on the southern border, which he said would be useless in stopping people from crossing. May 4, 2022. By: Jim Small and Jerod MacDonald-Evoy - June 23, 2022 5:24 am. The employee pay raise bill got to the finish line with a $10,000 raise for State Troopers, up from the original $2,550 figure. The Senate gave final approval Friday to a four-year package of raises for state employees that includes $3,500 in bonuses to help stem a surge in worker retirements. Follow Arizona Mirror on Facebook and Twitter. Republicans countered Friday that the raises and bonuses far outstrip what households in the private sector are receiving. Only a handful of dissenters from each party voted against the package of bills, and Republican Gov. Photo by Jerod MacDonald-Evoy | Arizona Mirror. I dont believe, fundamentally, that this agreement is fair at all.. State employees have stepped up and answered the call of Arizona Department of Administration. But for Democrats, this may have been the last chance for the foreseeable future to make an imprint on the state budget. Lawmakers also agreed to technical changes in a formula for distributing money to schools and $4 million each for school testing and 2022 election costs. State law gives the board the autonomy to change employee classifications and pay plans. PHOENIX - Arizona's legislature approved a bipartisan $18 billion spending plan early Thursday that will make substantial investments in public schools, build new highways and pay down long-term debts. State workers get a 10% pay raise, the first across-the-board pay hike in more than a decade. The Senate gave final approval Friday to a four-year package of raises for state employees that includes $3,500 in bonuses to help stem a surge in worker retirements. "However, the opportunity to truly invest in our public education and secure a brighter future for Arizona students cannot be overlooked. March 10, 2022. Tune in to FOX 10 Phoenixfor the latestnews: By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. Arizona Department of Administration. That includes $544 million for border security, roughly half of it for a wall, and $1 billion for highway construction, including widening Interstate 10 north of Casa Grande. The cost of living in each state; She says Arizona normally offers 26 weeks of payments; about the same as other states. Gov. WebThe Arizona State Retirement System Board of Trustees announced Friday, November 12, 2021 that qualified retirees will receive a Permanent Benefit Increase (PBI) to their monthly annuities, beginning with their July 2022 benefit check. That includes $544 million for border security, roughly half of it for a wall, and $1 billion for highway construction, including widening Interstate 10 north of Casa Grande. Republicans are widely expected to expand their majority in the 2022 election thanks to new district boundaries that appear to favor the GOP. It is unclear whether Gov. A proposed expansion of a tax credit to subsidize private school tuition was removed from the must-pass budget, likely dooming it. December 9, 2014 Leave a comment. In the House, fiscal conservatives railed against the new spending, particularly the money dedicated for highway construction projects. For the latest local news, download the FOX 10 News app. Their agreement adds $80 million in combined additional funding for Arizona State University and Northern Arizona University, bringing their funding boosts in line with additional money already allocated to the University of Arizona. Over the last eight years, Arizona has made responsible decisions to live within our means, reduce burdensome government regulations and increase trust in our citizens and the result is a booming economy with record revenues. Ducey listed water, education, and border security as his priorities. We were trying to get people not to retire well, thats not what this agreement does, said Sen. Craig Miner of Litchfield, ranking GOP senator on the Appropriations Committee. But for me, its encouraging that we have actually come together. The plan includes a handful of small, targeted tax cuts for farm machines and private planes but no large-scale reductions. Lawmakers in the House and Senate ended a months-long impasse, working through the night to approve the budget shortly before sunrise. Agencies are not required to give the increases. WebHeres an example of the formula to be used for a qualified retiree with 20 years of service at the time of retirement: $11.49 X 20 years of service = $229.80 annual PBI, divided by 12 months = $19.15 increase to monthly benefit payment. Gov. The budget expands the state's Court of Appeals to 28 judges from 22 judges. WebDeputy Chief Investment Officer. Hundreds of millions are set aside for water infrastructure as the state faces prolonged drought. Thirty states have state versions of the credit. GOP leaders decided to just take the easy road out, the path of least resistance and give up and just spend, said Sen. Michelle Ugenti-Rita, a Scottsdale Republican who voted against the budget. That sentiment was echoed by Sen. Rick Gray, a Sun City Republican and the Senates majority leader, who said this was the first true bipartisan budget hed been a part of during his legislative career. Part-timers would be eligible for prorated bonuses. Her office did not respond to questions seeking that clarification. The House is adjourned until tomorrow, March 1 at 9:30 a.m. 2021. The two-term governor, who leaves office in about six months, has made border security a goal throughout his tenure. Osten said the raises reflect the valuable work state employees provide daily, and particularly throughout the coronavirus pandemic. Updated: 6:21 AM MST June 23, 2022 State employees will get a raise, many for the first time in a decade. Keith has spent most of his 31 years as a reporter specializing in state government finances, analyzing such topics as income tax equity, waste in government and the complex funding systems behind Connecticuts transportation and social services networks. But for Democrats, this may have been the last chance for the foreseeable future to make an imprint on the state budget. Arizona Department of Administration. WebFY 2022 Appropriations Report - General Fund Salary Adjustments for State Employees Since FY 2012 and Salary Adjustments for Elected Officials Created Date 8/4/2021 4:55:37 PM Every single budgets bad, Gray said. The latest Arizona headlines, national news events of the day + sports, weather, and traffic updates. Web2022 Top Companies; Morning Scoop. That view was not shared by some of her Democratic colleagues. Tiny majorities in both chambers meant opposition from a single Republican lawmaker was enough to sink the budget if Democrats were united in opposition. Tiny majorities in both chambers meant opposition from a single Republican lawmaker was enough to sink the budget if Democrats were united in opposition. May 4, 2022. Republicans are widely expected to expand their majority in the 2022 election thanks to new district boundaries that appear to favor the GOP. Hundreds of millions are set aside for water infrastructure as the state faces prolonged drought. GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. News Release. Expanding the court will give RepublicanGov. After months of trying to craft a budget that could pass with just Republican votes, GOP leaders this week introduced a budget that aimed to peel off a small number of Democrats. Ducey hailed the deal, saying his policies of limited spending and regulation cuts can be credited for the surplus, although massive federal COVID-19 relief money also was a major contributor. Sen. Cathy Osten defending the SEBAC deal. WebThe Arizona State Retirement System Board of Trustees announced Friday, November 12, 2021 that qualified retirees will receive a Permanent Benefit Increase (PBI) to their monthly annuities, beginning with their July 2022 benefit check. The Senate completed action on a bill Thursday evening that will provide pay raises for state employees whose wages are outlined in state code. State lawmakers worked overnight and passed a $15.6 billion budget in the early morning hours of June 23. Have a story idea or tip? Follow her on Twitter@sbarchenger. Public education gets a $1 billion increase, which could translate into higher teacher pay, physical improvements for crumbling school buildings and put more police officers in schools. State lawmakers worked overnight and passed a $15.6 billion budget in the early morning hours of June 23. Deputy Chief Investment Officer. The Senate gave final approval Friday to a four-year package of raises for state employees that includes $3,500 in bonuses to help stem a surge in worker retirements. Enter and space open menus and escape closes them as well. Ducey is seeking a permanent 15% raise for state troopers, 20% for juvenile and adult corrections employees and pay boosts for several other agencies that total nearly $250 million a year. State workers get a 10% pay raise, the first across-the-board pay hike in more than a decade. It does not call for a second raise or a cut to the number of weeks people can get paid. The contracts allow workers to accept the $2,500 extra payment and still retire before July 1. The budget is not sound and its not reflective of my conservative values, Ugenti-Rita said. The House amended the raise on March 7 and the Senate concurred this evening. Tiny majorities in both chambers meant opposition from a single Republican lawmaker was enough to sink the budget if Democrats were united in opposition. Prior to joining CT Mirror Keith was State Capitol bureau chief for The Journal Inquirer of Manchester, a reporter for the Day of New London, and a former contributing writer to The New York Times. Arizona Department of Administration. Hundreds of millions are set aside for water infrastructure as the state faces prolonged drought. Ducey released a recovery-focused budget for Fiscal Year 2022, and he plans in making investments in K-12 education, public health, public safety, wildfire prevention, infrastructure and more, while also providing tax relief to residents. There's another $1 billion dedicated to 53road projects, from a sound wall along the Loop 101 near 16th Streetin north Phoenix to an interchange where Loop 303 meets Interstate 17 to roundabout improvements in Prescott Valley. Contact Editor Jim Small for questions: info@azmirror.com. The children of a Phoenix resident filed a lawsuit against a Phoenix mortuary on Monday after their mother's body was mistakenly cremated. I dont think we have a competitiveness problem here in Arizona, Rep. Kelli Butler, D-Paradise Valley, said, citing the, made in the state since its implementation and the states meager tax collections. But Osten said the agreements are essential to maintain a state workforce that is at its smallest size since the 1950s, an argument Lamont has made as well. GOP leaders decided to just take the easy road out, the path of least resistance and give up and just spend, said Sen. Michelle Ugenti-Rita, a Scottsdale Republican who voted against the budget. May 4, 2022. Jeffrey Hawkins, president of the Arizona State Troopers Association, said the premium pay is sorely needed at the agency that not only patrols state highways but does investigations, runs a crime lab and does many other law enforcement jobs. WebHeres an example of the formula to be used for a qualified retiree with 20 years of service at the time of retirement: $11.49 X 20 years of service = $229.80 annual PBI, divided by 12 months = $19.15 increase to monthly benefit payment. The same is true at other agencies, according to a spreadsheet of classifications earning premium pay provided by the state Department of Administration. The plan includes a handful of small, targeted tax cuts for farm machines and private planes but no large scale reductions. He has been the state finances reporter at CT Mirror since it launched in 2010. Arizona state officials gave pay raises to 169 government workers without getting the required approval from the Department of The merit raises are separate from cost of living increases sometimes approved by the Legislature. Cities and counties in Arizona are also struggling to fill positions because of low pay, and Ducey said in his state of the state address last week that his 15% pay hike would make troopers the best paid officers in the state. Connecticut holds $3.1 billion in its rainy day fund, equal to 15% of annual operating costs the maximum allowed by law. Doug Ducey quietly tapped $95 million in federal coronavirus relief money in November to boost pay for state troopers, prison guards and workers in several other state departments deemed essential. The state Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry and the Department of Public Safety have been struggling to hire and retain officers, in part because of wages that are low or uncompetitive. Not everyone was happy with the plan to spend most of the state's surplus, as conservatives balked at the spending and called the budget bloated and more befitting of a Democratic product. The budget also makes a $1.1 billion deposit into the pension fund for public safety and corrections officers, paying off the states unfunded liability for future retirement benefits. Subscribe to azcentral.com today. Kay Ivey approved of the step changes prior to the boards decision. Connecticut is facing pressure from the private sector, municipalities and other states for its workers, Osten said, adding that the pandemic has made many state jobs less attractive. It was not a great situation," said Lisa Rowan, a consumer finance reporter with Forbes Advisor. $225,000.05. All rights reserved. Both measures will allow laid-off workers to take on more part-time work. It would raise payments from $240 to $320, with a second increase to $400 when the state's unemployment fund is back to its normal level. That is one provision I am glad to see in here, Rep. Reginald Bolding, D-Phoenix, remarked, adding that Speaker of the House Rusty Bowers, R-Mesa, had been instrumental in getting the measure, which will allow agencies to request DPS to conduct independent investigations, into the criminal justice portion of the state budget. ", Education:House vote puts Arizona on cusp of largest school voucher program in US. A starting correctional officer earns just over $35,000 a year before the 20% premium pay. PHOENIX Governor Doug Ducey today expressed appreciation and gratitude for state workers on Arizona State Employee Recognition Day, thanking them for their dedication to serving the residents of one of the fastest-growing states. Giving taxpayers their money back, especially as inflation soars, is the only truly conservative action, she said but the Senate rejected two of her amendments to do that. Arizona State Retirement System (employees) Ghaddar Samer. Republican leaders had struggled for months to craft a spending plan that could find unanimous support in the fractious GOP caucuses without relying on Democrats. FOX 10's Matt Galka reports. The Associated Press learned of the moneys use when an updated report on the governors use of virus relief funds was posted by the Joint Legislative Budget Committee, which provides non-partisan analysis of state finances to lawmakers. (File photo by Howard Fischer/For the Miner). The new judges will be split between divisions based in Phoenix and Tucson. Two bills are moving through the Arizona legislature that could bring more money to unemployment earners. Sen. Martin Quezada, a Glendale Democrat, spoke out against plans to spend $335 million for a wall on the southern border, which he said would be useless in stopping people from crossing. It is unclear whether Gov. After losing support on the right, House Speaker Rusty Bowers and Senate President Karen Fann had to look elsewhere for votes, and they found them across the aisle. Gov. Kay Ivey approved of the step changes prior to the boards decision. He has also served as the editor and executive director of the Arizona Center for Investigative Reporting. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 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