. Department of Administration Human Resources. The Associated Press learned of the moneys use when an updated report on the governors use of virus relief funds was posted by the Joint Legislative Budget Committee, which provides non-partisan analysis of state finances to lawmakers. The Evergreen State takes the top spot again in the U.S. News Best States ranking on the strength of its tech sector and other industries. She says it's the actual payment amounts that put Arizona at the bottom of her list. The agency has 448 vacancies out of nearly 2,300 approved positions and Ducey wants to spend $31 million a year on DPS raises alone, according to the governors office. Prior efforts to stabilize Arizona's water supply have come up short. The Regular Session ends Saturday March 12 at midnight. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Senate Bill 1828(Laws 2021, Fifty-fifth Legislature, 1st Regular Session)amended the individual income tax withholding brackets. The improbable bipartisanship was enabled by an unprecedented surplus topping $5 billion, allowing for a broad array of new spending and savings. The fiscal year 2023 budget was. Doug Ducey has had a serious negative effect on neighborhoods. Nobody loves a budget once all the compromises are made, said Senate Majority Leader Rick Gray, R-Sun City. "The pandemic has really made it apparent that what you get in terms of unemployment benefits often isn't enough to support you if you're out of work, especially when you think about a national public health crisis," said Rowan. FOX 10's Matt Galka reports. Sen. Martin Quezada, a Glendale Democrat, spoke out against plans to spend $335 million for a wall on the southern border, which he said would be useless in stopping people from crossing. ADOA Human Resources . Arizona governor pledges $100 million in federal COVID-19 relief funding to help students catch up. So the board chose a compromise: an 8.5-cent raise for the lowest paid workers, those making $35,000 or less. PHOENIX Buoyed by strong state revenues, Gov. GOP and Democratic leaders agreed to add $526 million in new ongoing funding for K-12 schools, a substantial increase from the GOPs initial proposal. Their agreement adds $80 million in combined additional funding for Arizona State University and Northern Arizona University, bringing their funding boosts in line with additional money already allocated to the University of Arizona. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. The Ducey administration has done away with across-the-board pay increases, but has allowed agency directors to award raises and bonuses based on merit. HB 2805 was introduced by Republican Representative David Cook. As of last summer, the state workforce is down by 4,862 employees since Ducey took office, to 33,222. $227 million in new K-12 funding above and behind whats required to keep pace with enrollment growth and inflation; $127 million for higher education, including $46 million for economy workforce initiatives at the three universities to prepare students for careers in future jobs; About $26 million to for would-be nursing students to attend the privately run Creighton University to help staff Arizona hospitals; About $26 million to increase the amount of money given to people who agree to take care of relatives instead of them going into foster care or congregate care settings. Republican leaders had struggled for months to craft a spending plan that could find unanimous support in the fractious GOP caucuses without relying on Democrats. Jeffrey Hawkins, president of the Arizona State Troopers Association, said the premium pay is sorely needed at the agency that not only patrols state highways but does investigations, runs a crime lab and does many other law enforcement jobs. Take away federal money and pandemic extensions, and Arizona is left with a bare-bones unemployment insurance system. Posted: 4:27 PM, Jun 28, 2022 . Its not just line DPS troopers that are getting premium pay; dispatchers, crime lab technicians, radio repair staff and many others are getting premium pay, which ends on June 30. For the latest local news, download the FOX 10 News app. March 10, 2022. The same is true at other agencies, according to a spreadsheet of classifications earning premium pay provided by the state Department of Administration. A proposed expansion of a tax credit to subsidize private school tuition was removed from the must-pass budget, likely dooming it. The State of Arizona offers a robust array of benefits for State employees, including health and life insurance, short- and long-term disability, employee assistance, wellness programs and much more. Ironically, it was the Legislatures most conservative lawmakers who forced the hands of GOP leaders when they balked at initial, smaller spending proposals. Employees and managers can monitor annual leave balances by logging in to YES and clicking on, Agency Human Resources Contact Information, Public Safety Personnel Retirement System, Arizonas Employees Have New Tax Withholding Options. Walmart plans to open multiple health centers in metro Phoenix as the retail giant expands its medical services initiative. It allows state and local governments to. The firings of more than 100 auditors and collectors, who were among the lowest-paid employees at Revenue, ended up costing the state $83million in lost revenue. GOP leaders decided to just take the easy road out, the path of least resistance and give up and just spend, said Sen. Michelle Ugenti-Rita, a Scottsdale Republican who voted against the budget. Merit pay for selected workers raised the average pay for state employees by4.2 percent, under Ducey. Tiny majorities in both chambers meant opposition from a single Republican lawmaker was enough to sink the budget if Democrats were united in opposition. The governors aides say business tax relief is justified based on data they say show that Arizona has the 10th highest industrial property tax rates in the nation. Tune in to FOX 10 Phoenixfor the latestnews: By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. She says Arizona normally offers 26 weeks of payments; about the same as other states. This is your TASC card account. Instead, they are looking at a chain-link fence, similar to what is around state prisons. Virtual meetings will be held at various times throughout February, March and April 2023. Please contact a Benefit Options representative by phone at 602-542-5008, toll-free at 1-800-304-3687, by email at [emailprotected] or visit benefitoptions.az.gov. 100 N 15th Ave, #301. May 4, 2022 PHOENIX Governor Doug Ducey today expressed appreciation and gratitude for state workers on Arizona State Employee Recognition Day, thanking them for their dedication to serving the residents of one of the fastest-growing states. A separate bill giving locality pay was scrapped in favor of this bill. Arizona's legislature approved a bipartisan $18 billion spending plan early. It was not a great situation," said Lisa Rowan, a consumer finance reporter with Forbes Advisor. Pass it along to the KTAR News team here. Doug Ducey, despite lean budget, awards hefty pay raises to his staff, Teachers union to fight for 20 percent raises, just like Gov. Nobody loves a budget once all the compromises are made, said Senate Majority Leader Rick Gray, R-Sun City. But for me, its encouraging that we have actually come together.. 1/. But some of that money is going to erect what the Governors Office is calling physical barriers along stretches of the border where they have access. PHOENIX (AP) Arizonas legislature approved a bipartisan $18 billion spending plan early Thursday that will make substantial investments in public schools, build new highways and pay down long-term debts. The improbable bipartisanship was enabled by an unprecedented surplus topping $5 billion, allowing for a broad array of new spending and savings. While adults may find that sports gambling is a way to enhance the experience with more than just fandom on the line, it can be a dangerous proposition if children get involved in the activity. It also eliminates the state equalization tax, a property tax for education, and backfills it with $330 million from the general fund. Arizona has a legal right to challenge a federal provision that forbids using COVID relief money for tax cuts, appeals court rules. DeSantis currently uses a $15.5 million Cessna Citation Latitude jet, bought in 2019 after he took office, succeeding former Gov. Floridas Republican-led Legislature has historically proved stingy with pay raises to public employees, many years doling out no annual hikes and keeping salaries low. The U.S. Supreme Court today let stand a ruling that struck down Arizonas policy of denying benefits for domestic partners of state employees. The biggest share of the funds for higher education are linked to training in specialized fields. Doug Ducey wants to grant pay raises to nearly half of all state employees, with an emphasis on boosting salaries for law enforcement and corrections officers. The Republican governors office did not announce that he was using cash from President Joe Bidens American Rescue Plan Act to provide 20% pay boosts to the states corrections officers, 15% increases to state troopers and 10% increases to workers at the departments of child safety, economic security, juvenile corrections, transportation and health services. And it puts another $425 million in the rainy day fund to help the state weather a potential recession. This widespread removal of protections made possiblemass firings during the Ducey administration in a quest to shrink government. Phoenix, AZ 85007. Arizona House Republicans back universal school voucher expansion, Arizona Legislature begins hearings on state budget plan as deadline looms, Surprisingly wet winter pulls most of Arizona out of drought conditions, Annual Folk and Heritage Festival coming to Glendales Sahuaro Ranch Park this weekend, Phoenix passes source-of-income housing discrimination ban, Police arrest student for bringing firearm to high school in Phoenix, Walmart Health unveils plan to open 6 centers in metro Phoenix, Southwest farmers reluctant to idle farmland to save water, Valley Boys & Girls Club uses esports to help kids make healthy choices, Sports gambling can be fun for adults, but its a dangerous game for children, Prep the plumbing in your home just in time for the holidays. That includes $544 million for border security, roughly half of it for a wall, and $1 billion for highway construction, including widening Interstate 10 north of Casa Grande. Tuesday, November 8, 2022, is the General Election and all state government employees are encouraged to vote. PHOENIX (AP) - Arizona Gov. Ducey appointee hands out big raises, bonuses. The House amended the raise on March 7 and the Senate concurred this evening. That includes $544 million for border security, roughly half of it for a wall, and $1 billion for highway construction, including widening Interstate 10 north of Casa Grande. The Parks and Revenue departments both gave select staff members significant pay raises after mass firings at both agencies. Arizona State Retirement System ECD employees participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS). "If you make a whole ton of money and you're on unemployment, the most you're going to get is $240 a week to be able to pay your bills," said Rowan. Not so much, according to public records obtained by The Arizona Republic. Jan 14, 2022 Updated Feb 19, 2023 PHOENIX Buoyed by strong state revenues, Gov. Districts lose dollars because of masks: GOP lawmaker aims to strip state funding from school districts that defied Gov. Due to this change, every employee isrequiredto fill out a new Arizona A-4 form effective for wages paid after January 1, 2023 unless they qualify to complete: A-4VVoluntary Withholding Request for Arizona Resident Employed Outside Arizona, WECWithholding Exemption Certificate for Arizona Nonresidents, WECIWithholding Exemption Certificate, Native Americans with Instructions, WECMWithholding Exemption Certificate for Military Spouses. PLEASE BE AWARE:To ensure compliance with AZDOR requirements, on 12/30/22, the State will change ALL employee records to the default rate of 2.0%. Any existing additional dollar amounts an employee had chosen to be withheld will not be changed. The Phoenix City Council approved an ordinance that keeps landlords from discriminating against renters based on their source of income. Tuesday, November 8, 2022, is the General Election and all state government employees are encouraged to vote. click the box below and click the Login button under Y.E.S. Note: Elective benefits for new employees may be subject to a 90-day waiting period. You can also choose to enroll in the Delta Dental PPO or opt-out of dental coverage. GOP and Democratic leaders agreed to add $526 million in new ongoing funding for K-12 schools, a substantial increase from the GOPs initial proposal. Arizona's unemployment payments haven't been raised in 17 years, but this year two bills are being considered by lawmakers that could move the state up a bit, from second-lowest pay to 38th place. Other state employee raises are reflected in the budget bill that is expected to be finalized before the end of the Regular Session. Both are leaving the Legislature after this year. Best States is an interactive platform developed by U.S. News for ranking the 50 U.S. states, alongside news analysis and daily reporting. But with inflation rising and many state agencies struggling to hire and keep employees, lawmakers have adapted to a new political reality. PHOENIX (AP) Arizona's legislature approved a bipartisan $18 billion spending plan early Thursday that will make substantial investments in public schools, build new highways and pay down. DeSantis on masks, Florida school districts rebel against governor's mask order, presenting political test, Helped by federal aid, Gov. Sen. Sean Bowie, a moderate Phoenix Democrat, joined with moderate Republican Sen. Paul Boyer to push for more school funding, noting that in all more than $1 billion in new school funding was in the plan, with more than half ongoing. Check to see if your provider is on the plan and see the plan coverage by visiting. Tucson judge declares mistrial for man accused of murdering Isabel Celis, Jesse Wilson: Adoptive mother arrested in boy's death in Arizona, Family shot, killed in murder-suicide before eviction from foreclosed home: police, Phoenix condo fire leaves man and 2 kids dead; two other children in critical condition, Arrest made weeks after deadly Phoenix shooting, Police investigating shots fired incidents at Apache Junction RV resort, Suspect injured following shooting involving DPS trooper near Downtown Phoenix, Disneyland banned Rebel Wilson over selfie, actress says, Deadly I-17 crash in Phoenix caused by impaired driver, officials say, Family sues Phoenix mortuary following accidental cremation, Man shot in downtown Phoenix, no arrests made, Buckeye mom accused of killing adoptive son extradited to Arizona. House budget chair Jay Trumbull, R-Panama City, and his Senate counterpart, Kelli Stargel, R-Lakeland, agreed to the pay raise before getting bogged down amid a host of big ticket items still unsettled across a proposed budget topping $100 billion for only the second time in state history. State employees will get a raise, many for the first time in a decade. Will ct state employees get a raise in 2022 22 feb 2022 northeast region abbreviations northeast region abbreviations Will ct state employees get a raise in 2022. It creates a state version of the federal Earned Income Tax Credit that targets low-income households where someone is working and, in most cases, where there is a child. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. DATABASE:Here's how well Ducey rewarded his staff, agency heads. Ducey proposes pay raises for nearly half of state employees in $11.4 billion budget Gov. These cookies do not store any personal information. Using the money to provide premium pay for essential workers is allowed under terms of the virus relief law signed by the Democratic president last March. 2305. "We werent competitive at that rate," Hawkins said. Duceys office routinely issues news releases when he allocates cash from the pot of COVID-19 relief money he controls, but that wasnt done this time. Meanwhile, caseworkers dealing with the state's foster-care crisis got a $1-a-day raise. This is what our state, where voters are nearly evenly divided by party affiliation, has long asked of us to work together, said Rep. Reginald Bolding of Laveen, the top Democrat in the House. The cost of living, while going up, is still lower than in other areas. 0. For agencies, boards and commissions under the State Personnel System, the maximum number of annual leave hours an employee may carry over into a new calendar year is 320 hours for uncovered employees and 240 hours for covered employees. "State employees have stepped up and answered the call of public service. Gov. Doug Ducey on Tuesday signed the $18 billion budget into law that makes hefty investments in education, border security and infrastructure.