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Montana politics, elections and legislative news

State Employees Seek Modest Pay Raise

Montana Department of Transportation crews clear the state's portion of Beartooth Pass each spring.
Jackie Yamanaka
Montana Department of Transportation crews clear the state's portion of Beartooth Pass each spring.
Montana Department of Transportation crews clear the state's portion of Beartooth Pass each spring.
Credit Jackie Yamanaka
Montana Department of Transportation crews clear the state's portion of Beartooth Pass each spring.

The House Appropriations Committee is expected to vote this week on a bill that would give a one-percent pay raise for state employees.

This bill hearing was notable in that state employees did not take a vacation day to pack the hallways and committee room.

“I hope that our presence in the hall as in past sessions has been noted and perhaps missed even a little bit,” said Rich Aarstad.

He said there’s not much to say about House Bill 13 other than it is a modest request knowing the state budget is tight this session.

“We understand that everybody’s going to tighten their belts up. We’re more than willing to do that. I just ask that you support House Bill 13 and support the state employees who do your bidding on behalf of serving your constituents,” Aarstad said.

No one spoke against the bill.

The Appropriations Committee asked the Department of Administration provide information to the members this week on how discretionary pay raises are handed out because of questions raised in a recent audit.

The Committee chair wanted that information before the panel votes on the state pay plan.

Copyright 2017 Yellowstone Public Radio

Jackie Yamanaka
Jackie Yamanaka has been news director at YPR since 1986. From her home base in Billings, Jackie covers a wide range of issues across Montana and Wyoming. During the Montana Legislative session, she re-locates to the state Capitol in Helena where she has another office.
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