Statement from Senate Pres. Pro Tempore Brian Bingman on passage of state employee pay raises

Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman issued the following statement on passage of Senate Bill 2131, which gives $36.8 million in pay raises to more than 12,000 state employees at 25 agencies ranging from 5% to 13.5%, with most raises based upon the 2013 state employee compensation study.

“In November, we received the results of a pay analysis showing that many of our state employees—especially those in high-need areas like health care and public safety—are dramatically underpaid compared to their private sector counterparts. In order to attract and retain the best and the brightest state workers, their pay needed to be brought more in line with the industry standards. This legislation gives those critical employees a raise and we will continue to review the pay study and consider future raises as funds are available to ensure we remain competitive in attracting a world-class workforce.”–Senate President Pro Tempore, Brian Bingman, R-Sapulpa

SB 2131 was approved Wednesday 43-1, and will now be sent to the House for consideration.