Update on the 5% and 10% raises

Our lobbyist, Steve Shaber, reports that the money for our raises is not in the House budget. Ordinarily, the fact that the House has omitted it would not mean anything with regard to the Senate, because the Senate typically has no role in the House version of the budget. But the subcommittees are meeting jointly (i.e., the House and Senate members are meeting together in a single meeting) to a greater degree than in the past, and the Senate seems to have had some input into the House budget this year -- which is unique. The House version of the budget goes to the floor today for what's known as "second reading." It will be debated all day and probably into the evening. Eventually it will pass. Tomorrow (Thursday) it will have its "third reading," which is the final vote in the House. There will probably be some debate, but certainly less.

After the budget passes third reading in the House, it will go to the Senate, which may rewrite it as much as it likes. Given the extent to which the Senate seems to have been included in the House budget process so far, the Senate may stick more closely to the House budget than it usually does. It is unclear, however, the extent to which the house and senate agree at this point.

Nevertheless, it appears that we may still be alive in the mind of the Senate. Regardless, Senator Rand may still be able to put our money in the Senate version of the budget. If it is in the Senate budget, but not in the House, then it will go to conference committee to be worked out.

Note:
Governor Easley wanted a 7% raise for teachers. The House gives 3%.
Governor Easley wanted 1.5% plus bonus for state employees. The House gives 2.75% or $1,100, whichever is greater.