Three Kansas City police officers who were shot while serving a search warrant have been released from the hospital, Officials say one passenger died when a business jet experienced severe turbulence, forcing a landing at Bradley International Airport in Connecticut, Oklahoma voters are deciding whether to legalize marijuana sales for those 21 and older. Doug Ducey's proposal to spend $1.1 billion on desalination and other water infrastructure ignores other potential , For Star subscribers:Gov. The result is a booming economy with record revenues, Ducey said in a statement. The package of budget bills passed with overwhelming support, highly unusual in the modern era. Keep reading with a digital access subscription. This is what our state, where voters are nearly evenly divided by party affiliation, has long asked of us to work together, said Rep. Reginald Bolding of Laveen, the top Democrat in the House. Duceys budget director, Matt Gress, informed the Republican Senate president and House speaker of his decision to tap the funds for premium pay in a Dec. 9 letter. Caucus leaders claim Hobbs is illegally legislating to, advance her woke agenda, by issuing executive orders. It allows state and local governments to. Virtual meetings will be held at various times throughout February, March and April 2023. 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. Doug Ducey, despite lean budget, awards hefty pay raises to his staff, Teachers union to fight for 20 percent raises, just like Gov. Floridas Republican-led Legislature has historically proved stingy with pay raises to public employees, many years doling out no annual hikes and keeping salaries low. Lawmaker said 2016 legislation pushed by Airbnb and signed into law by Gov. The premium pay started flowing to 17,291 of the states approximately 35,000 workers on Nov. 27. For the latest local news, download the FOX 10 News app. Arizonas legislature has approved a bipartisan $18 billion spending plan making substantial investments in public schools and new highways. And it puts another $425 million in the rainy day fund to help the state weather a potential recession. C.J. DeSantis on masks, Florida school districts rebel against governor's mask order, presenting political test, Helped by federal aid, Gov. % of gross taxable wages starting January 2023. U of A's $2.3 billion budget earmarks $51.5 million for employee raises. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community. Please contact a Benefit Options representative by phone at 602-542-5008, toll-free at 1-800-304-3687, by email at [emailprotected] or visit benefitoptions.az.gov. For example, Arizona State University is getting $21 million for new programs in engineering, Theres $415 million for the University of Arizona for its programs in health, mining, space and defense, with about $10 million for Northern Arizona University for health care professions. The rest of Arizona'spublic servants? It also calls for an increase to employer premiums - $160 per employee a year to $186 per employee a year. The Department of Administration, which functions as state government's human-resources department and works directly for Ducey,gave at least 245 employees roughly half of itsstaff pay raises that average 18 percent, or an $11,496 increase. But still to be settled is more than $300 million in environmental spending earmarked by the Senate for the states rural and family lands program under the Agriculture Department. Doug Ducey was expected to approve it. State employees will get a raise, many for the first time in a decade. at Revenue, ended up costing the state $83million in lost revenue, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Leave taken and/or accrued during the 12/10 - 12/23 pay period willNOTbe reflected in the excess annual leave balances posted in YES on the leave balances tab. Other priorities in the governors program include: $248 million for targeted pay raises for state workers. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. MORE:After firing auditors, state's Revenue agency gave raises to select employees. The same is true at other agencies, according to a spreadsheet of classifications earning premium pay provided by the state Department of Administration. House budget chair Jay Trumbull, R-Panama City, and his Senate counterpart, Kelli Stargel, R-Lakeland, agreed to the pay raise before getting bogged down amid a host of big ticket items still unsettled across a proposed budget topping $100 billion for only the second time in state history. The governor this year has proposed to increase education funding in his budget, but teachers say it still makes them among the worst paid in the country. Stay informed daily on the latest news and advice on COVID-19 from the editors at U.S. News & World Report. Annual renewal required. Reach the reporter at craig.harris@arizonarepublic.com or 602-444-8478 or on Twitter @charrisazrep. Ducey is seeking similar permanent raises for troopers and at other agencies in the budget proposal he released on Friday. With this budget, were putting those dollars to good use and investing in priorities that Republicans and Democrats alike can agree on.. A separate bill giving locality pay was scrapped in favor of this bill. But those salary adjustments aren't equal for all. This is what our state, where voters are nearly evenly divided by party affiliation, has long asked of us to work together, said Rep. Reginald Bolding of Laveen, the top Democrat in the House. After firing auditors, state's Revenue agency gave raises to select employees. This widespread removal of protections made possiblemass firings during the Ducey administration in a quest to shrink government. 23/06/2022 State employees will get a raise many for the first time in a decade. Ducey gave to staff. Even mail clerks at the states prisons are getting 20% premium pay. A starting correctional officer earns just over $35,000 a year before the 20% premium pay. Kathryn Palmer. The Arizona Board of Regents approved the University of Arizona's . A spokeswoman for the agency could not say how many of those former employees were considered bullies and liars as well. Learn about Deferred Compensation and how this important employee benefit can assist you in Saving for the Future. Only a handful of dissenters from each party voted against the package of bills, and Republican Gov. . The plan includes a handful of small, targeted tax cuts for farm machines and private planes but no large scale reductions. It also eliminates the state equalization tax, a property tax for education, and backfills it with $330 million from the general fund. Republicans are widely expected to expand their majority in the 2022 election thanks to new district boundaries that appear to favor the GOP. Gov. For agencies, boards and commissions under the State Personnel System, the maximum number of annual leave hours an employee may carry over into a new calendar year is 320 hours for uncovered employees and 240 hours for covered employees. This is really just getting on a soap box and vilifying immigrants and creating a political point, Quezada said. The biggest share of the funds for higher education are linked to training in specialized fields. Hundreds of millions are set aside for water infrastructure as the . 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. The premiums remain the same, but the provider network is different.. We will automatically move you to the UHC Solstice plan if you are enrolled in the Cigna DHMO. The Legislature plans to return Thursday afternoon to take up legislation directing how the new water cash will be spent and other remaining bills, with an eye to adjourning for the year once those are completed. The revised policy would provide the largest percentage increases to . Gov. NOTE:Employees have the option to update their A-4 at any time during the tax year but are encouraged to consult with their tax advisor related to these new updates from AZDOR to determine how they may be affected. DeSantis had called for pouring about $355 million into construction, home-buying and rent relief efforts. PLEASE BE AWARE:To ensure compliance with AZDOR requirements, on 12/30/22, the State will change ALL employee records to the default rate of 2.0%. Eligibility is based on income, maxing out at $57,414 a year for married couples filing jointly who have three or more qualifying children, with lower limits for smaller families. PHOENIX (AP) Arizonas 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. between 12/31/22 and 01/03/23 at 1 pm, the rate you may have seen may have been incorrect. Several lawmakers already are angling for even bigger tax cuts. Ducey proposes $14B budget, with tax cuts, some raises for state workers, Lawmakers want to strip 19 cities' rights but Tucson is real target, Celebrity Las Vegas chefs opening Tucson restaurant, A bunch of photos of today's snow across Tucson , The highly anticipated Portillo's is now open in Tucson, 'Attainable' apartments coming to northwest Tucson, A big ol' guide to this weekend's Tucson Festival of Books, Watch: The most notable things Tommy Lloyd said after Arizona's heartbreaking loss to ASU, New game, entertainment center makes southwest Tucson a bigger draw, South Tucson motel sold to soup kitchen for housing, Tim Steller's column: Converting Tucson's big boxes, vast parking lots into housing tantalizes, 100 fun events happening in Tucson this March 2023 , Tucson lawmaker loses first bid to dump cities' rights, 'Extreme weather' closes parts of Interstates 17, 40 in Arizona, Feds might seek $163M refund over Arizona's anti-mask mandate rules, Arizona's online portal for campaign signatures facing shut down during critical period, Lawmaker's bill would eliminate sales tax on gun purchases in Arizona, Ducey: "Summer camp" plan to differ from traditional summer school, Arizona lawmaker seeks to override HOA rules against turf, Bill would again allow local governments to regulate short-term rentals, Gov. Both measures will allow laid-off . pay raises that average 18 percent, or an $11,496 increase. Department of Administration Human Resources. Arizona State Retirement System ECD employees participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS). Also on Thursday evening, Senate made its way through its calendar, completing action on six additional bills and passing 11 others that will need to be finalized by the House. 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. PHOENIX (AP) Arizonas 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. Rowan has spent the last few months going through unemployment data from states, giving context to the problems we are seeing now. The governor wants to hire back 25 auditors. The 33rd annual Glendale Folk and Heritage Festival will bring hundreds of performers to Historic Sahuaro Ranch Park Saturday and Sunday. For more information, refer to the news story from AZDOR:Arizonas Employees Have New Tax Withholding Options. Take away federal money and pandemic extensions, and Arizona is left with a bare-bones unemployment insurance system. The budget also includes $160 million to start work on increasing the states water supply. 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 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. 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. PHOENIX (AP) 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. Other state employee raises are reflected in the budget bill that is . Arizona's legislature approved a bipartisan $18 billion spending plan early. 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. Every single budgets bad, Gray said. Strictly speaking, the state gets no property tax revenues. This equals the increase in the Consumer Price Index, a key measure of inflation. ADOA Human Resources . $5 million in 20 percent pay raises for Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections officers. And it puts another $425 million in the rainy day fund to help the state weather a potential recession. That has proven a a nonstarter among lawmakers who have to go to those same homeowners every two years to get reelected. Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. 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. Meanwhile, caseworkers dealing with the state's foster-care crisis got a $1-a-day raise. The House amended the raise on March 7 and the Senate concurred this evening. Ron DeSantis spends big in $99.7 billion budget proposal. But with inflation rising and many state agencies struggling to hire and keep employees, lawmakers have adapted to a new political reality. PHOENIX Buoyed by strong state revenues, Gov. You do not need to re-enroll to keep your current coverage elections for 2023. The cash of $150 a student for up to three years is designed to help schools improve; if they do not, then the governor will ask the state Department of Education to step in. But for Democrats, this may have been the last chance for the foreseeable future to make an imprint on the state budget. Aides said the most likely targeted areas are in Cochise County where ranchers have property right up against the international boundary. The budget does have a specific sensitivity to how the COVID-19 outbreak has highlighted the shortage of nurses in the state. 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. But the fate of dollars for the rural and family lands program remained in flux late Tuesday. Ironically, it was the Legislature's most conservative lawmakers who forced the hands of GOP leaders when they balked at initial, smaller spending proposals. Those employees who will be receiving a targeted salary increase at or above 7.5 percent in fiscal year 2023 will be eligible to receive a 2.5 percent statewide increase. Doug Ducey wants to grant pay raises to nearly half of all state employees, with an emphasis on boosting salaries for law enforcement and corrections officers. 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 University of Arizona. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. 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. 1/. The 12 school districts targeted in the House's original proposal were looking to get the $200 million penalty removed from the state's school funding system. Nobody loves a budget once all the compromises are made, said Senate Majority Leader Rick Gray, R-Sun City. Any existing additional dollar amounts an employee had chosen to be withheld will not be changed. Senate Bill 1828(Laws 2021, Fifty-fifth Legislature, 1st Regular Session)amended the individual income tax withholding brackets. The firings of more than 100 auditors and collectors, who were among the lowest-paid employees at Revenue, ended up costing the state $83million in lost revenue. Hundreds of millions are set aside for water infrastructure as the state faces prolonged drought. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. She says one day, federal money will run out, so states need to start thinking long-term. It allows state and local governments to boost pay by up to $13 per hour for essential workers and allows a maximum per-employee amount of $25,000. Doug Ducey to dole out money from the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund only to public schools that do not mandate ma, Some legislative and congressional candidates hoping to be on August primary ballot will have to collect signatures with pen and paper to meet. Arizona governor pledges $100 million in federal COVID-19 relief funding to help students catch up. The package of budget bills passed with overwhelming support, highly unusual in the modern era. Doug Ducey is proposing a $14.25 billion spending plan for the new fiscal year, about 8.6% more than this year,. But for Democrats, this may have been the last chance for the foreseeable future to make an imprint on the state budget. Department of Economic Security Director Tim Jeffries has canned 168 employees since he was appointed department head in February, a pace of more than four firings a week. All rights reserved. Republicans are widely expected to expand their majority in the 2022 election thanks to new district boundaries that appear to favor the GOP. The added funding includes phasing in funding for low-income students starting at $50 million in the upcoming fiscal year and growing to $100 million in three years and special education. . Rick Scott, a multi-millionaire, who had sold the states former air fleet and paid for and used his own jet for state travel. Visit the Benefits Website Links to some of the frequently visited benefits information: Employee Discounts (including tuition discounts) 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. The Cigna DHMO Dental plan is changing to the UnitedHealthcare Solstice S800B DHMO (UHC Solstice). Ducey listed water, education, and border security as his priorities. PHOENIX (AP) 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. While a judge has said the tax cut is subject to referendum, there is still a challenge to whether there are sufficient signatures on the petitions. "State employees have stepped up and answered the call of public service. Lawmakers now are certain to extend the session. Lawmakers in the House and Senate ended a months-long impasse, working through the night to approve the budget shortly before sunrise. And just over a month ago, this is exactly what happened in Arizona, as former state CIO Aaron Sandeen passed the torch to our new state CIO Morgan Reed. Gov. rookie California Highway Patrol officers start at $93,000 a year. Doug Ducey was expected to approve it. The bipartisanship extended to opposition a handful of conservative Republicans and liberal Democrats voted against the budget deal. 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. Check to see if your provider is on the plan and see the plan coverage by visiting. Gov. $49.1 million for an across-the-board pay . 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. As a result, the Arizona Department of Revenue (AZDOR) revised the withholding percentages. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. The Regular Session ends Saturday March 12 at midnight. Will ct state employees get a raise in 2022 22 feb 2022 northeast region abbreviations northeast region abbreviations Will ct state employees get a raise in 2022. Arizona's unemployment payments haven't been raised in 17 years, but this year two bills are being considered by lawmakers that could move the state up a bit, from second-lowest pay to 38th place. While pay raises look settled, Trumbull and Stargel held a later Tuesday meeting to address dozens of other spending issues. The Republican governors office did not announce that he was using cash from President Joe Bidens American Rescue Plan Act to provide 20% pay boosts to the states corrections officers, 15% increases to state troopers and 10% increases to workers at the departments of child safety, economic security, juvenile corrections, transportation and health services. Along with the across-the-board pay raises, other agreements were reached to finance $20-an-hour minimum salaries for state firefighters and correctional officers. The Supreme Court has rejected appeals from Arizona and Nevada involving the rights of same-sex couples. The Ducey administration has done away with across-the-board pay increases, but has allowed agency directors to award raises and bonuses based on merit. Districts lose dollars because of masks: GOP lawmaker aims to strip state funding from school districts that defied Gov. DeSantis supported what advocates call the putting parents first initiative, which would have taken millions of dollars from some of the states biggest counties and send the money to Floridas 55 other counties that fell in line with the governor on mask policy. Updated: 2022-06 . Excess annual leave must be used on or before Friday, January 6, 2023 to avoid forfeiture of excess hours. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. The budget has nearly $600 million in new, permanent funding for public schools, up from about $330 million in the original proposal. All Other Plans - carriers, premiums and coverage remain the same. HB 2805 was introduced by Republican Representative David Cook. You have permission to edit this article. Arizona Lawmakers Approve Bipartisan $18 Billion Budget, Marisol Garcia, Vice President of the Arizona Education Association, speaks during a news conference at the Arizona capitol Tuesday, June 21, 2022, in Phoenix. More information regarding civic duty leave for the purpose of voting, Excess annual leave must be used on or before, to avoid forfeiture of excess hours. 2305. Lawmakers in the House and Senate ended a months-long impasse, working through the night to approve the budget shortly before sunrise. Tags: Associated Press, legislation, business, property taxes, Arizona, education, state budgets. The Arizona Legislature on Tuesday began considering a $15.6 billion state budget package that pays down more than $1.2 billion in state debt but keeps in place most of a nearly $800 budget gimmick from the Great Recession, boosts road construction, border security and other spending but falls short of what education advocates say is needed to fund K-12 public schools. Only a handful of dissenters from each party voted against the package of bills, and Republican Gov. Note: Elective benefits for new employees may be subject to a 90-day waiting period. Hundreds of millions are set aside for water infrastructure as the state faces prolonged drought. Two-thirds of Arizona is no longer experiencing drought conditions, an abrupt change following a surprisingly wet winter. Prior efforts to stabilize Arizona's water supply have come up short. Arizona state employee raises 2022. 2023 FOX Television Stations. The state hopes a new computer program will increase efficiency and allow employees across agencies to work together better.