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Today's Poll!Continued state employees’ salaries study inches forward
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
With three days to go in this year’s Missouri legislative session, state Rep. Mike Bernskoetter’s plan to continue the special committee studying state employees’ salaries could be up for Senate debate.
“We had an interim committee last summer and we got together a few times,” Bernskoetter, R-Jefferson City, told the committee. “We concluded that we were 50th out of 50 states as far as the pay goes.
“What we are trying to do with the interim committee now is see what your non-wage benefits are — your vacation, sick leave, insurance and that type of stuff.”
But the measure on Tuesday won the Senate’s Rules, Joint Rules, Resolutions, and Ethics Committee’s endorsement as a substitute — so it would have to go back to the House if the Senate OKs it.
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Comments
Silverado_Phil 1 year ago
I hope that the special committee starts looking at what it will take to attract and retain the talented people that are needed to accomplish the jobs. Some departments have to compete with private industry for the talented people. Departments such as IT that need employees with the skills necessary to take the State of MO into the 21st century are in high demand and tend to go where their talent is compensated for. Some departments in the State may as well have a swinging door for these employees because they are there until they find a better paying job. The 2% increase that has been budgeted for the state employees is better than nothing (that is what they got for the last 4 years), but it's not enough to keep up with the cost of living increases and medical cost increases. The politicians need to start treating some of the State departments more like a business that needs talented employees to function at a high level instead of lumping all of the employees into one general category.
kentheco 1 year ago
So, we know you’re the lowest paid state employees in the nation, but look at all the benefits we give you. Too bad, you can't buy groceries and or pay your bills with those benefits. State employees would rather you talk about how you’ve cut the number of employees, but require greater output; or the benefits you’ve taken away; then how our pay hasn’t kept up; then we can talk about how valuable our benefits are. By the way, instead of funding another useless committee, use the money to help the pay state employees a livable salary. Here’s a suggestion, cut your benefits (no more per diem, no more private parking, no more special license plates), cut your salaries so that legislature members make no more than the lowest paid state employee, then your comments about benefits will mean something.
JCLifer 1 year ago
At least they "got together a few times". That shows that this is a very important issue that needs years of contiunued study- probably late night at Bones a couple of times each year.
kentheco 1 year ago
No need to meet at Bones, they have their own private clubs in the Capitol where they can smoke and drink.
spelchek 1 year ago
"“What we are trying to do with the interim committee now is see what your non-wage benefits are — your vacation, sick leave, insurance and that type of stuff.” -- Here let me help. aitchteeteepee://oa.mo.gov/pers/benefits.htm
You gotta be kidding me.........................................
butteredup 1 year ago
I volunteered to assist with this committee... my own time, my own gas and away from my family. Whatever it would take to see this through. I've worked for the state 15 plus years. I knew when I took the job it didn't pay well however, I didn't think that someone coming in would make $100 less per month than I do after 15+ years. I am experienced and dedicated, something that is hard to find in the state employment realm anymore. They've raised the insurance costs and taken away benefits, our dental and vision plans are truly a joke. The only thing there is to "look forward" to is the increase in annual leave after 10 and 15 years, which increases from 10 to 12 to 14, respectively. Now, how can the Missouri legislation say they are putting forth effort when they rarely meet, don't take offers from employees willing to volunteer their time and make such comments as "“What we are trying to do with the interim committee now is see what your non-wage benefits are — your vacation, sick leave, insurance and that type of stuff.” That is a slap in my face.
It's unfortunte that the level of education, experience, professionalism and dedication it takes from a person proud of who they are and what they do, isn't even respected by the entity they do this for. Shame on you Jefferson City, shame on you! I would be interested in knowing why they continue to use funds to pay retired senators and other legislators monthly stipends, plus benefits that include familial coverage as well. Why do the willingly and free handedly give raises to this same group of people every year. Lets look at the salaries made by our Governor and legislators, lets determine where the cuts in state funding need to be. Let's re-evaluate the entire budget and eliminate FOOLISH spending.
I would love to see the state employees who perform their duties with respect and dignity, get their well-deserved increases in pay.
Silverado_Phil 1 year ago
“What we are trying to do with the interim committee now is see what your non-wage benefits are — your vacation, sick leave, insurance and that type of stuff.”
So what Bernskoetter is saying, they are going to fluff up the compensation by adding these non-wage items to the salary. Yeah - that will boost the salary up. They want to compare total compensation to the other states (salaries or total compensation) to see where MO employees rank. Those non-wage items won't put food on the table, pay the mortgage, and put gas in the tank.
It amazes me that the state employees put up with this. I am surprised that they don't leave and find better employment with better wages elsewhere.
You get what you pay for. If you, the public, don't think the state is doing a good job of hiring qualified employees, then tell your congressman to increase the wages so that the state can attract better qualified people.
gofish 1 year ago
Because they would have to move to another state. Many have family roots here for generations. Out of loyalty to their family and the hopes they can retire some day they stick around in spite of the continual denigration of their wages and standard of living.
Silverado_Phil 1 year ago
Do you really believe that people will force themselves to earn low wages because they have family roots here? They would have to move to another state? What kind of employment are they looking for that MO wouldn't have that type of employment in state? Maybe that is why the politicians continue to pay low wages - because the root-bound Jeff City folks are afraid to leave. And so it just repeats itself over and over and over. The largest employer in Jeff City is doing what it does best, screwing the public and screwing their employess - because they happen to be the same people. If the people don't have money to spend, then where is the attraction for other businesses to come to Jeff City? And if these businesses aren't here, then what to attract the younger, more affluent population to Jeff City.
JCLifer 1 year ago
You nailed it, Phil. The powers that be like it just the way it is. However, everyone else has to live under the nasty conditions that the elites set up and perpetuate.
JCLifer 1 year ago
They already get the WeSave discounts. What more do these employees want?
peacebstill 1 year ago
JCLifer....Are you kidding? Have you seen the WeSave Discount Program? I've tried to use it and did better searching online for discounts and found they are no different than what this program offered, which is limited anyway. So you are saying state employees don't deserve raises unless they work in the private sector? People are always saying "nobody told you to stay there. Quit if you want something better." But then complain if nobody is there is answer their phone call.
Silverado_Phil 1 year ago
@peacebstill - I think JCLifer was being facetious... LOL - We Save - some one got a kick back on that.
JCLifer 1 year ago
Kick back is obvious!
JMO 1 year ago
I'm a state employee of almost 18 years. Now, luckily, I benefited around 15 years ago from a policy that changed my particular jobs pay scale to include years of "relevant" service, as opposed to just years with the state, so my pay got a big jump using my previous six years of employment in a similar field in the private sector, so I'm paid pretty well, relatively speaking. (That policy has since been changed. I actually make more than my immediate supervisor, because I've been here so long.) But could I make more in the private sector? Probably. I took the job initially because of the benefits. I was a single mother, I got health insurance, guaranteed hours and days off and wasn't expected to put in weekends and evenings which my prior job did expect. Now I stay because 1) I really do like my job. I feel what I do is important and directly impacts people's lives, 2) I have six or seven years to full retirement, and no other retirement plan set up, 3) I still like the set hours, holidays and vacation and 4) I'm too darn old to learn something new. lol I may not be respected by the public I serve (and don't think it doesn't go all over me when people talk about the lazy state workers-we work our butts off in this office) but I am respected in my division, because of my many years of experience and knowledge. All I would ask is that the "powers that be" also show us some respect. They've taken away the deferred comp match. They've increased the cost of insurance. I've never even bothered with the dental and vision, because the premium cost is almost what I pay per year to the doctors and I get more benefit running it through cafeteria plan. They took away the day after Thanksgiving. They pay lower than any other state, but our COL is not the lowest in the country. We had no raises for several years and the little 1 and 2% raises are kind of a joke. In fact, one year my net pay was lower after the raise, because it put me in a higher tax bracket. Not that the $80 or so I will get gross, per month, isn't appreciated but please, don't act like it's a big deal. After taxes, I'll be lucky to buy a tank of gas with that. So now they are looking at non-cash benefits? Why? To try to show us how good we have it? I assure you...that's the only reason most of us stay and it ain't what it used to be.
F35 1 year ago
The reason you State employees do not get wage increases is because the legislators spend your money on pet projects. Projects that pay campaign contributors and such.
tonto_goldberg 1 year ago
What a great ironic nic, F35; the biggest and most wasteful pet military spending project of all time.
tonto_goldberg 1 year ago
Wrong imagery, News Tribune. A short stack of pennies would better indicate what we are talking about here.
JCsleeper 1 year ago
Looks like the committee is trying to say "Look at your benefits. You're really not 50th." Wonder if they'll include low paid workers' food stamps as a benefit? Election is coming this year.
Sunshine2 1 year ago
I say dust off the copies off all previous total compensation surveys completed since the 90's and simply update the information. Why start from scratch again and reiterate what is known to many that have been around state government for more than a couple of terms?
As many of you are aware...state employee benefits have declined in recent years...insurance rates increased while coverage has decreased, it takes ten years to be fully invested (but I think this is different for our legislature), the deferred comp benefit was taken away several years ago, and retirement is no longer fully funded for employees starting after January 1, 2010 (I believe), this too may be different for our legislature...I'm not certain about that.
JCLifer 1 year ago
Cy Dashtaki would have gotten something going by now. Bernskoetter said several times before he was elected that he did not believe state employees deserved raises. He wanted to lay off a bunch more. Why is anyone surprised?
I am disappointed in Mike Kehoe, though.
asb 1 year ago
I met Cy at a get-to-know-you picnic the last time he ran and immediately liked him. I asked him if he thought his last name might hurt his chances - being too middle eastern sounding. He said not at all. I think it cost him the election. I hope he keeps at it and people get to know him, then he could do some good for his district.
spelchek 1 year ago
" I asked him if he thought his last name might hurt his chances - being too middle eastern sounding." -- Yes, we are all a bunch of dumb hicks that judge by somebody's name; you know, like Obama. Is everything a race issue with libs? Geesh!
tonto_goldberg 1 year ago
The joke's on you this time since you can't keep your ethnic slurs straight. Dashtaki sounds more Czech or Polish than middle-eastern. Libs would know that, conservatives maybe not.
asb 1 year ago
I know where Cy's name actually comes from, and I also know what it sounds like, and yes, people will judge a person by the sound of their name, and Cy's sounds extra foriegn. Osama Yanis' coffee shop in Columbia was torched for his and his shop's name. You don't have to be a dumb hick to fear others, it's in our nature. It get's even easier when the extremist Right fans the anti-foriegn flames and islamophobia.
gofish 1 year ago
Kehoe is more concerned with Ameren UE and their campaign contributions; and turning I-70 into a toll road than representing the people that elected him and his promises. Being local, he should be championing for state employees like Tilley did for SEMO.
spelchek 1 year ago
50th in pay doesn't help Jefferson City's plight to attract "young professionals". Seems the city is going against the grain in this regard. Good luck with all that.
JCLifer 1 year ago
That's the real problem. When the region's largest employer is a low-paying bottom feeder, it practically guarantees that the entire region will remain a low-level bottom feeder too. When employees have more disposble income they spend more money. More money spent makes thr region's merchants home builders and service providers have more money. It is a simple economics.
spelchek 1 year ago
You'd think, but............
tonto_goldberg 1 year ago
The dominant employer in a region sets the market rate; smaller employers pay that market rate. An employer who is willing to pay just above the dominant employer's rate gets first pick of the applicants. It's a labor economics issue that's not really covered in the 101-level courses.
JCLifer 1 year ago
Grace, where does one learn common sense if it isnt taught!? Maybe this needs to be added to the state's graduation requirements.
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