http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/union-afscme-at-capitol-s457.jpgVos and Kapenga holding up state employee pay increases already approved in the budget.

MADISON – Earlier this year, Governor Evers signed the 2023-25 state budget into law which included the 2023-25 Compensation Plan and general wage adjustments for state employees, from correctional and parole officers to teachers and medical professionals. The Compensation Plan includes a 4% general wage increase for state employees beginning July 2. However, in the absence of approval by the Republican-controlled Joint Committee on Employment Relations (JCOER), state employees are not currently receiving increased wages.

Senator Agard (D-Madison) and Representative Neubauer (D-Racine) sent a letter to Assembly Speaker Robin Vos and Senate President Chris Kapenga on September 28, requesting that JCOER take up the Compensation Plan enacted in the 2023-25 biennial budget for all state employees. Neither President Kapenga nor Speaker Vos responded to the request. Senator Agard and Representative Neubauer released the following statement:

“We again call on Senate President Kapenga and Assembly Speaker Robin Vos to stop playing politics with workers’ pocketbooks and immediately approve the 2023-25 Compensation Plan.

“As our state grapples with labor shortages, it is irresponsible and a dereliction of our duties as lawmakers to continue withholding these needed wage increases for the hardworking people throughout our state. Ensuring that employees are paid a fair and competitive wage is imperative to attracting and retaining a high-quality workforce in Wisconsin.

“Families and individuals across Wisconsin are struggling with increased costs. Rather than waging political battles over Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives, Republicans on JCOER should be taking immediate action to approve the wage adjustments that were already vetted and approved in the state budget, then signed by Governor Evers.”