Wyoming Governor Matt Mead said he wants to provide pay raises to state employees and K-12 educators in the state. The proposal is part of the governor's supplemental budget. Community College employees and some classified staff at the University of Wyoming would also be eligible for raises. Mead said the time is right.
"Turnover is costly in terms of productivity. It's costly in that you lose experience. We know that salaries in the private sector in Wyoming have increased, neighboring states are implementing pay increases for comparable public jobs. "
Mead also wants to provide more money for local governments and restore funds for breast and cervical cancer treatment programs. He'd also like to leave the next governor with a reserve fund for emergencies.
The governor says the state revenue picture has provided a surplus. He said if lawmakers use an extra $300 million and put it in reserve, the legislature's rainy day fund will be $1.8 billion.
Mead will present his budget to the legislature's Joint Appropriations Committee next week.
