Bill > LD1539

This bill creates the State Employee Compensation Stabilization Fund within the Department of Administrative and Financial Services to help address salary disparities for state employees in the executive branch. The legislation modifies the allocation of excess General Fund revenues by reducing the Highway and Bridge Capital program's share from 20% to 19% and directing 1% to the new compensation fund. The fund's purpose is to augment state employee salaries to achieve parity with comparable positions in public and private sectors, as determined by market pay studies. The funding mechanism allows for annual contributions, and any unspent money will carry forward to the next fiscal year instead of being returned to the general fund. Importantly, the specific salary adjustments will be determined through negotiations with labor organizations representing state employees, ensuring that the compensation increases are based on professional market research and collaborative discussions. The bill represents a strategic approach to maintaining competitive compensation for state workers while preserving funding for other important state infrastructure programs.

Government Affairs

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1539&snum=132