Some lawmakers still feel it doesn't go far enough, and some wanted to increase pay by much less.
BOISE, Idaho — Law enforcement agencies across Idaho are struggling to hire and keep employees. This comes as the cost of living continues to rise and officer burn-out is at an all-time high.
That is why Governor Brad Little wants to raise pay for Idaho POST-certified public safety officers, including Idaho State Police, Idaho Fish and Game and Idaho Department of Correction.
The governor recommended a 4% merit increase for all state employees with another 6% raise for state law enforcement to the legislature's Change in Employee Compensation (CEC) Committee. That totals a ten-percent proposed raise for officers.
Ultimately, the CEC approved the motion because most committee members think it would help address the problem. On Friday, the Joint Finance and Appropriation Committee (JFAC) will vote on the recommendations.
"We have officers that protect us, that keep us safe, that keep our children safe, they keep Idaho a great place to raise our families and we need to reward them and keep them here," CEC Committee Chairman Sen. Kevin Cook (R- Idaho Falls) said. "We have some great officers. This is Idaho. We back the blue."
Some lawmakers still feel the proposal doesn't go far enough, while some others on the CEC, including Rep. James Holtzclaw, Rep. Mike Kingsley and Rep. Josh Wheeler, wanted to increase pay by much less.
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