State Worker Pay Raise Passes

The first bill to pass both chambers of the General Assembly in 2023 has now been sent to the governor’s desk for his signature. House Bill 14 provides funding for unanticipated state government expenses and includes the largest pay raise for state employees in recent memory.

Like so many other employers throughout America, the state of Missouri struggles to attract and keep workers. Currently, there are about 7,000 open jobs in state government. That’s out of a total state workforce of more than 53,000 employees statewide. The 8.7% pay raise included in HB 14 will help the state remain competitive in the workplace so it can maintain the staff necessary to provide essential services.

Our state government’s labor shortage is especially worrisome at facilities providing round-the-clock care or supervision. Staffing shortages at Missouri’s veterans’ homes has forced these facilities to operate under capacity and turn deserving veterans away. At Missouri prisons, corrections officers work overtime to provide safety and security. Likewise, state facilities that care for disabled Missourians also struggle with worker shortages. To address these concerns, HB 14 includes a shift differential pay allowance requested by the governor. Staff working overnight shifts at veterans’ homes, mental health care facilities and correctional centers will receive an additional $2 per hour.

In case anyone is wondering, the General Assembly did not vote itself a raise. Members of the Legislature and Missouri’s six elected statewide officeholders will not receive pay increases. A complete listing of all open positions in Missouri state government can be found online at mocareers.mo.gov.  

In other legislative activity this week, the Senate passed Senate Concurrent Resolution 7 and sent the measure onto the House of Representatives. This legislation creates the America 250 Missouri Commission and grants it authority to plan, promote and implement public celebrations and commemorations to honor the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding. Also this week, the Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence Committee approved Senate Bill 22 and forwarded onto the full Senate. This measure would make minors convicted of second degree murder ineligible for early parole.

As always, it is an honor to serve the 6th Senatorial District. If my office can be service to you, please feel free to contact us at 573-751-2076. For information about my committee assignments or sponsored legislation, please visit my official Missouri Senate website at senate.mo.gov/Bernskoetter.