The governors’ proposed budget has the attention of state lawmakers, but also those included in the “big three” – state employees, healthcare workers, and educators. In this group, many are left with questions as the legislative session approaches.
Among the major proposals was a 1.25 percent increase to the funding for the big three, though that rate has left many questioning if it would cover spiraling prices.
That includes educators and the state education association. Sandra Waltman is the communications director for the SDEA.
“That doesn’t even keep schools up with inflation, so it’s going to be a challenge for schools to maintain the programs they have and continue to make things like teacher pay competitive when they’re going to struggle just to maintain where they are,” Waltman said.
That concern extends to the South Dakota State Employees Organization. Executive director Erica Olila said this rate isn’t tracking to other, non-executive branch state officials.
“Right off the bat it’s a very lowball raise proposal," Olila said. "The Legislature, legislative audit, legislative research council, the state investment office – they’ve been giving raises to their employees over and above what regular state employees get for several years. It’s much more for those employees than practically every other state employee in the state. That’s a problem. It’s uneven. It’s inequitable.”
This rate would be applicable to schoolteachers, nurses, and civil servants under the employ of the state. As state employees, SDPB staff are subject to salary increases.
Olila said the proposal will be remembered going into session next month.
“It’s going to be a battle," Olila said. "It’s a matter of priorities. Are you going to take care of your house, or are you going to start adding on a deck before you got the inside of your house finished?”
This budget is only a proposal and is subject to legislative approval.