New contracts for state workers remain in limbo because Democrats and Republicans couldn’t agree before the legislative session adjourned at midnight. House Republican Minority Leader Kurt Daudt says, “Democrats brought a bill to the House floor to give pay raises to state employees. …State employees deserve to have pay raises, but they know that this state cannot afford them.”
Senate Republicans passed a bill retaining last year’s pay raises but cancelling the ones set for July 1st. But House Democratic Majority Leader Ryan Winkler says the way they did it is unconstitutional and, as a result, new state employee contracts are approved. But does he expect a court fight over the issue? Winkler says, “If the Senate wants to sue to block raises, potentially [there could be a court case]– but hopefully that won’t happen.”
Senate Republicans weren’t immediately available for comment.