HB 13, the pay plan for state employees, was heard on January 21st in Appropriations. The bill is sponsored by Chuck Hunter (D). It freezes the pay of state employees for both years of the biennium, funds the increased cost of health insurance so health benefits can be maintained at the current level and provides a one time $450 payment to employees whose salaries are below $45,000 per year. The $450 payment does not permanently increase the salaries.

The pay plan was negotiated by the Schweitzer administration and state employee unions and was ratified earlier this month.

“Democrats are taking the first step in bringing forth a fiscally responsible, balanced budget,” said Speaker of the House of Representatives Bob Bergren (D-Havre).  “This is the responsible thing to do in order to protect jobs and maintain services to Montanans.”

“Democrats are taking the first step in bringing forth a fiscally responsible, balanced budget,” said Speaker of the House of Representatives Bob Bergren (D-Havre).  “This is the responsible thing to do in order to protect jobs and maintain services to Montanans.”

“This agreement is fair to the taxpayers and reasonable to our state workers,” said Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer.  “I wish it could have been more, but these are difficult times.”

HB 13 has been passed by the legislature.