Another pay increase for state employees is essential to fight high turnover rates and compete with the private sector, Gov. Mike Parson told lawmakers during this year's State of the State address.
The recommendation, included as part of Parson's Fiscal Year 2023 Early Supplemental Budget request, would implement an 8.7 percent cost of living adjustment (COLA) for all state employees.
The request would also up the shift differential -- an extra bump in pay for those working outside of normal business hours -- for congregate care staff within the Department of Social Services (DSS), Department of Corrections (DOC), Department of Mental Health (DMH) and the Missouri Veterans Commission.
Parson challenged lawmakers to pass the bill along to his desk for his signature by March 1.
He applauded the contribution of his cabinet during the speech, noting a functional and successful state was impossible without the support of the state employees who make it happen.
"As many of you know, the recruitment and retention of state employees has been a severe problem for our state. And while we have made considerable advancements like wage increases, deferred compensation and professional development opportunities, more is needed," Parson said during the annual address. "Supporting our state workers means supporting the people of Missouri, and we are not done yet."
The Republican executive pointed toward the children's division of DSS, which focuses on the safety and well-being of...
A slew of NYPD officers recounted on Sunday horror stories from their careers in which they say they were falsely accused of sexual misconduct and, despite being exonerated, had the allegations sh...