We echo the sentiments of legislative leaders who are asking the governor to work with lawmakers to increase the salaries of state employees.
Missouri House Speaker Todd Richardson and Budget Chairman Tom Flanigan, both Republicans, have encouraged Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon to join forces in prioritizing a pay hike for state workers.
The outreach by lawmakers was polite, proactive and reasonable.
Republicans in the past have criticized the governor for not engaging with them to forge compromises on issues. In this instance, the overture was more invitation than criticism.
In addition, the timing provides ample opportunity for three months of consideration and discussion before January, when the Legislature convenes and Nixon unveils his proposed budget.
Finally, Republicans reiterated a strong case for a state employee pay raise.
• According to a 2013 ranking by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Missouri's state employees were ranked last among the states, with an average yearly salary of $39,993.
• Elevating state pay likely will require incremental steps. "We can't make up the significant pay gap that exists in one budget," said Richardson, "but if the governor actively works with us, I know we can find the revenues necessary to provide better compensation for our state workers."
• Pay increases boost employees' morale and efficiency. Flanigan observed: "We have continued to downsize the size of government and asked our employees to find ways to do more with less, which they have done."
• Similarly, salary hikes aid employee retention. State Rep. Mike Bernskoetter, R-Jefferson City, said: "If we want to attract and retain a talented and dedicated workforce, we must find a way to pay them a competitive wage."
State pay raises are advantageous not only for individual workers, but for government and its ability to deliver services to all Missourians.
The time has come for the executive and legislative branches to cooperate to begin incremental pay increases for state workers.