Pursuant to State laws and rules, state employees may receive paid leave in order to exercise their voting privileges under certain conditions. But for Democrats, this may have been the last chance for the foreseeable future to make an imprint on the state budget. A proposed expansion of a tax credit to subsidize private school tuition was removed from the must-pass budget, likely dooming it. Keep reading with a digital access subscription. Stay informed daily on the latest news and advice on COVID-19 from the editors at U.S. News & World Report. Every single budgets bad, Gray said. Ducey appointee hands out big raises, bonuses. Several lawmakers already are angling for even bigger tax cuts. The 33rd annual Glendale Folk and Heritage Festival will bring hundreds of performers to Historic Sahuaro Ranch Park Saturday and Sunday. 5 min read Despite failing to meet a late Tuesday deadline to finalize a 2022-23 state budget, House and Senate negotiators did manage to approve a 5.38% pay raise. Senate Bill 531 applies to teachers, school counselors, school service personnel and State Troopers. Doug Ducey has had a serious negative effect on neighborhoods. "The pandemic has really made it apparent that what you get in terms of unemployment benefits often isn't enough to support you if you're out of work, especially when you think about a national public health crisis," said Rowan. Employees and managers can monitor annual leave balances by logging in to YES and clicking on, Agency Human Resources Contact Information, Public Safety Personnel Retirement System, Arizonas Employees Have New Tax Withholding Options. This is what our state, where voters are nearly evenly divided by party affiliation, has long asked of us to work together, said Rep. Reginald Bolding of Laveen, the top Democrat in the House. Strictly speaking, the state gets no property tax revenues. The added funding includes phasing in funding for low-income students starting at $50 million in the upcoming fiscal year and growing to $100 million in three years and special education. It raises pay in January 2022 to $300 and raises employer premiums. The Senate is adjourned until Monday, March 6, at 11 a.m. Every single budget's bad, Gray said. The Senates proposal excluded current Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, a Democrat and candidate for governor, from having access to the funds. The rest of Arizona'spublic servants? Thn 5, x hong tn,th x qung yn, tnh qung ninh. Their agreement adds $80 million in combined additional funding for Arizona State University and Northern Arizona University, bringing their funding boosts in line with additional money already allocated to University of Arizona. In K-12 education, negotiators reached general agreement on an almost $385-per-student increase in school funding an almost 5% boost that would bring funding to an average $8,143 for each of Florida's 2.9 million school kids. Ducey listed water, education, and border security as his priorities. But that $150 is less than Ducey wants to give schools that already have an A rating, up to an extra $429 per student for schools with a high number of children in poverty and $241 for those with fewer students in need. at Revenue, ended up costing the state $83million in lost revenue, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. The Evergreen State takes the top spot again in the U.S. News Best States ranking on the strength of its tech sector and other industries. Sen. Sean Bowie, a moderate Phoenix Democrat, joined with moderate Republican Sen. Paul Boyer to push for more school funding, noting that in all more than $1 billion in new school funding was in the plan, with more than half ongoing. And that specifically means private lands. After firing auditors, state's Revenue agency gave raises to select employees. $400 million to complete another 20 miles of upgrading I-10 to three lanes in each direction between Casa Grande and Sun Lakes; $50 million for communities outside Pima and Maricopa counties to leverage federal dollars for shovel-ready transportation projects; $92 million for building repairs and upgrades in the state prison system; $8.2 million to increase the number of Adult Protective Services caseworkers; $177 million for projects at state parks, about half for sewage treatment systems, though $118 million of that is coming from federal cash. He pointed to officer pay in Texas and California, where rookie California Highway Patrol officers start at $93,000 a year. The Arizona Legislature on Tuesday began considering a $15.6 billion state budget package that pays down more than $1.2 billion in state debt but keeps in place most of a nearly $800 budget gimmick from the Great Recession, boosts road construction, border security and other spending but falls short of what education advocates say is needed to fund K-12 public schools. Ron DeSantis spends big in $99.7 billion budget proposal, Legislative session: Pay raises OK'd for state workers in Florida. Republicans are widely expected to expand their majority in the 2022 election thanks to new district boundaries that appear to favor the GOP. Please review your AZ state withholding election again and make any change if you choose to. Average annual pay before overtime for non-supervisors is just over $70,000. Ironically, it was the Legislature's most conservative lawmakers who forced the hands of GOP leaders when they balked at initial, smaller spending proposals. The governor wants to hire back 25 auditors. The U.S. Supreme Court today let stand a ruling that struck down Arizonas policy of denying benefits for domestic partners of state employees. Gov. FY 2022 Appropriations Report - General Fund Salary Adjustments for State Employees Since FY 2012 and Salary Adjustments for Elected Officials Created Date 8/4/2021 4:55:37 PM State employees will get a raise, many for the first time in a decade. Doug Ducey is proposing a $14.25 billion spending plan for the new fiscal year, about 8.6% more than this year,. Hundreds of millions are set aside for water infrastructure as the state faces prolonged drought. But for Democrats, this may have been the last chance for the foreseeable future to make an imprint on the state budget. $5 million in 20 percent pay raises for Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections officers. Any hours in excess of the maximum carryover limits are subject to forfeiture. The premiums remain the same, but the provider network is different.. We will automatically move you to the UHC Solstice plan if you are enrolled in the Cigna DHMO. PHOENIX (AP) Arizonas legislature approved a bipartisan $18 billion spending plan early Thursday that will make substantial investments in public schools, build new highways and pay down long-term debts. A salary increase with a chosen percent pay increase. You have permission to edit this article. Districts lose dollars because of masks: GOP lawmaker aims to strip state funding from school districts that defied Gov. Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. As of last summer, the state workforce is down by 4,862 employees since Ducey took office, to 33,222. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. It does not call for a second raise or a cut to the number of weeks people can get paid. Rep. Jake Hoffman, R-Queen Creek, is proposing a further reduction in that flat tax, to $1.5 billion. Capitol Rideshare (Transit Subsidy, Travel Reduction Telework), Employee Information Organizer - Important information in the event of your death while employed with the State, Public Safety Personnel Retirement System (PSPRS), Corrections Officers Retirement System (CORP), Internal Job Openings (for current state of Arizona employees only), Vital Records - Birth or death certificates. Ironically, it was the Legislatures most conservative lawmakers who forced the hands of GOP leaders when they balked at initial, smaller spending proposals. Department of Economic Security Director Tim Jeffries has canned 168 employees since he was appointed department head in February, a pace of more than four firings a week. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin), 3 Kansas City Officers Who Were Shot Released From Hospital, 1 Killed When Business Jet Encounters Severe Turbulence, Pot Vote Has Oklahoma Hungry to Rake in Green From Texas. between 12/31/22 and 01/03/23 at 1 pm, the rate you may have seen may have been incorrect. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. This equals the increase in the Consumer Price Index, a key measure of inflation. But when the state alters the basis for how those taxes are assessed to reduce what business pays, it can shift the tax burden onto homeowners to pay for local governments, community colleges and other schools. She says one day, federal money will run out, so states need to start thinking long-term. But those salary adjustments aren't equal for all. Ducey proposes $14B budget, with tax cuts, some raises for state workers, Lawmakers want to strip 19 cities' rights but Tucson is real target, Celebrity Las Vegas chefs opening Tucson restaurant, A bunch of photos of today's snow across Tucson , The highly anticipated Portillo's is now open in Tucson, 'Attainable' apartments coming to northwest Tucson, A big ol' guide to this weekend's Tucson Festival of Books, Watch: The most notable things Tommy Lloyd said after Arizona's heartbreaking loss to ASU, New game, entertainment center makes southwest Tucson a bigger draw, South Tucson motel sold to soup kitchen for housing, Tim Steller's column: Converting Tucson's big boxes, vast parking lots into housing tantalizes, 100 fun events happening in Tucson this March 2023 , Tucson lawmaker loses first bid to dump cities' rights, 'Extreme weather' closes parts of Interstates 17, 40 in Arizona, Feds might seek $163M refund over Arizona's anti-mask mandate rules, Arizona's online portal for campaign signatures facing shut down during critical period, Lawmaker's bill would eliminate sales tax on gun purchases in Arizona, Ducey: "Summer camp" plan to differ from traditional summer school, Arizona lawmaker seeks to override HOA rules against turf, Bill would again allow local governments to regulate short-term rentals, Gov. Lawmakers in the House and Senate ended a months-long impasse, working through the night to approve the budget shortly before sunrise. GOP leaders decided to just take the easy road out, the path of least resistance and give up and just spend, said Sen. Michelle Ugenti-Rita, a Scottsdale Republican who voted against the budget. That includes $544 million for border security, roughly half of it for a wall, and $1 billion for highway construction, including widening Interstate 10 north of Casa Grande. Please contact a Benefit Options representative by phone at 602-542-5008, toll-free at 1-800-304-3687, by email at [emailprotected] or visit benefitoptions.az.gov. But aides said that promise was for over three years, meaning after he has left office. But with inflation rising and many state agencies struggling to hire and keep employees, lawmakers have adapted to a new political reality. Leave taken and/or accrued during the 12/10 - 12/23 pay period willNOTbe reflected in the excess annual leave balances posted in YES on the leave balances tab. Ducey released a 'recovery-focused' budget for Fiscal Year 2022, and he plans in making investments in K-12 education, public health, public safety, wildfire prevention, infrastructure and more, while also providing tax relief to residents. The average raise for a Ducey staffer was 11 percentsince he took office. The Arizona Legislature on Tuesday began considering a $15.6 billion state budget package that pays down more than $1.2 billion in state debt but keeps in place most of a nearly $800 budget gimmick from the Great Recession, boosts road construction, border security and other spending but falls short of what education advocates say is needed to fund K-12 public schools. 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The same is true at other agencies, according to a spreadsheet of classifications earning premium pay provided by the state Department of Administration. Forty workers let go by the now-fired head of the Department of Economic Security got an early Christmas gift Friday: Theyre going to get their jobs back. There also is a $450 million deposit into the states rainy day fund, bringing it up to 10% of the total state budget, the maximum permitted by law. Hundreds of millions are set aside for water infrastructure as the state faces prolonged drought. rookie California Highway Patrol officers start at $93,000 a year. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) The Associated Press, By BOB CHRISTIE and JONATHAN J. COOPER, Associated Press. Merit pay for selected workers raised the average pay for state employees by4.2 percent, under Ducey. 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Two bills are moving through the Arizona legislature that could bring more money to unemployment earners. That includes $544 million for border security, roughly half of it for a wall, and $1 billion for highway construction, including widening Interstate 10 north of Casa Grande. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Arizona has a legal right to challenge a federal provision that forbids using COVID relief money for tax cuts, appeals court rules. TUCSON, Ariz. (KOLD News 13) - On Friday, Jan. 15, Arizona Gov. The Associated Press learned of the moneys use when an updated report on the governors use of virus relief funds was posted by the Joint Legislative Budget Committee, which provides non-partisan analysis of state finances to lawmakers. State employees will get a raise, many for the first time in a decade. Virtual meetings will be held at various times throughout February, March and April 2023. For. The 12 districts are Alachua, Brevard, Broward, Duval, Hillsborough, Indian River, Leon, Miami-Dade, Orange, Palm Beach, Sarasota and Volusia counties. The State Personnel Board last week voted to add four steps of 2.5% to employees' pay structure. Republicans are widely expected to expand their majority in the 2022 election thanks to new district boundaries that appear to favor the GOP. Using the money to provide premium pay for essential workers is allowed under terms of the virus relief law signed by the Democratic president last March. The governor this year has proposed to increase education funding in his budget, but teachers say it still makes them among the worst paid in the country. Any existing additional dollar amounts an employee had chosen to be withheld will not be changed. Watch a non-stop stream of breaking news, live events and stories across the nation. Every single budgets bad, Gray said. These cookies do not store any personal information. Excess annual leave must be used on or before Friday, January 6, 2023 to avoid forfeiture of excess hours. Lawmakers now are certain to extend the session. Simpson, the Senate president, is running for the post of Agriculture Commissioner later this year and the spending provision sought by his chamber would not take effect until January 2023, when he could potentially be in charge of the department. There is a growing sense that fallowing will have to be part of the solution to the increasingly desperate drought in the West. The governors aides say business tax relief is justified based on data they say show that Arizona has the 10th highest industrial property tax rates in the nation. Sen. Martin Quezada, a Glendale Democrat, spoke out against plans to spend $335 million for a wall on the southern border, which he said would be useless in stopping people from crossing. Doug Ducey's proposal to spend $1.1 billion on desalination and other water infrastructure ignores other potential , For Star subscribers:Gov. It also calls for an increase to employer premiums - $160 per employee a year to $186 per employee a year. PLEASE BE AWARE:To ensure compliance with AZDOR requirements, on 12/30/22, the State will change ALL employee records to the default rate of 2.0%. With the holidays approaching, it's important to know when your home is in need of heating and plumbing updates before more guests start to come around. Caucus leaders claim Hobbs is illegally legislating to, advance her woke agenda, by issuing executive orders. Lawmakers also agreed to technical changes in a formula for distributing money to schools and $4 million each for school testing and 2022 election costs. A spokeswoman for the agency could not say how many of those former employees were considered bullies and liars as well. Cities and counties in Arizona are also struggling to fill positions because of low pay, and Ducey said in his state of the state address last week that his 15% pay hike would make troopers the best paid officers in the state. Phoenix lawmaker said that gun safety equipment would also be sold free of sales tax. You do not need to re-enroll to keep your current coverage elections for 2023. Your Excess Annual Leave balances in YES will not be updated this upcoming pay period. Republicans last year cut $1.7 billion in income taxes. Copyright 2021 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Tucson judge declares mistrial for man accused of murdering Isabel Celis, Jesse Wilson: Adoptive mother arrested in boy's death in Arizona, Family shot, killed in murder-suicide before eviction from foreclosed home: police, Phoenix condo fire leaves man and 2 kids dead; two other children in critical condition, Arrest made weeks after deadly Phoenix shooting, Police investigating shots fired incidents at Apache Junction RV resort, Suspect injured following shooting involving DPS trooper near Downtown Phoenix, Disneyland banned Rebel Wilson over selfie, actress says, Deadly I-17 crash in Phoenix caused by impaired driver, officials say, Family sues Phoenix mortuary following accidental cremation, Man shot in downtown Phoenix, no arrests made, Buckeye mom accused of killing adoptive son extradited to Arizona. She says Arizona normally offers 26 weeks of payments; about the same as other states. The Parks and Revenue departments both gave select staff members significant pay raises after mass firings at both agencies. The budget also makes a $1.1 billion deposit into the pension fund for public safety and corrections officers, paying off the states unfunded liability for future retirement benefits. PHOENIX Arizona Gov. Ducey also wants to put $50 million into border security, paying for more officers to patrol the area and help fund counties with the cost of detaining and prosecuting people for state crimes. For agencies, boards and commissions under the State Personnel System, the maximum number of annual leave hours an employee may carry over into a new calendar year is 320 hours for uncovered employees and 240 hours for covered employees. State Senator Michelle Ugenti-Rita (R-Scottsdale) tweeted on Monday, "Arizona's version of @JoeBiden's Build Back Broke (aka the legislature's . The biggest share of the funds for higher education are linked to training in specialized fields. Tax cuts and revisiting voided pandemic restrictions also top agenda for new session. The Supreme Court has rejected appeals from Arizona and Nevada involving the rights of same-sex couples. The improbable bipartisanship was enabled by an unprecedented surplus topping $5 billion, allowing for a broad array of new spending and savings. Katie Hobbs first executive order barring discrimination in hiring practices. Pursuant to State laws and rules, state employees may receive paid leave in order to exercise their voting privileges under certain . This is really just getting on a soap box and vilifying immigrants and creating a political point, Quezada said. That includes $544 million for border security, roughly half of it for a wall, and $1 billion for highway construction, including widening Interstate 10 north of Casa Grande. Arizona tax rates have decreased and as a result, AZDOR has revised withholding percentages and is requiring taxpayers to complete a new Form A-4 for 2023. PHOENIX (AP) - Arizona Gov. DeSantis currently uses a $15.5 million Cessna Citation Latitude jet, bought in 2019 after he took office, succeeding former Gov. Those employees who will be receiving a targeted salary increase at or above 7.5 percent in fiscal year 2023 will be eligible to receive a 2.5 percent statewide increase. The Regular Session ends Saturday March 12 at midnight. All rights reserved. Phoenix, AZ 85007. A proposed expansion of a tax credit to subsidize private school tuition was removed from the must-pass budget, likely dooming it. DeSantis on masks, Florida school districts rebel against governor's mask order, presenting political test, Helped by federal aid, Gov. For the rest of Floridians, affordable housing has been the subject of calls for more money, as the states sizzling housing market has driven rents and home prices through the roof. "But Id say that Arizona in general has not followed the market trend when it comes to police pay.". U of A's $2.3 billion budget earmarks $51.5 million for employee raises. Annual renewal required. There also is a separate and as of yet undefined plan to cut business property taxes. Please take this into consideration when planning for the avoidance of forfeiture of excess hours. Tiny majorities in both chambers meant opposition from a single Republican lawmaker was enough to sink the budget if Democrats were united in opposition. The 12 school districts targeted in the House's original proposal were looking to get the $200 million penalty removed from the state's school funding system. 2023-01-02. . C.J. Under the plan, DeSantis would exclusively use the Citation. Nursing home employees also would reach $15-an-hour minimum pay as part of a 7% increase in Medicaid rates paid nursing homes that was also agreed to Tuesday. Ron DeSantis ban on school mask mandates last year. The improbable bipartisanship was enabled by an unprecedented surplus topping $5 billion, allowing for a broad array of new spending and savings. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. After losing support on the right, House Speaker Rusty Bowers and Senate President Karen Fann had to look elsewhere for votes, and they found them across the aisle. 2.5-3% is an average salary increase in many sectors, including the government sector where federal employees will receive a base pay. Arizona's unemployment payments haven't been raised in 17 years, but this year two bills are being considered by lawmakers that could move the state up a bit, from second-lowest pay to 38th place. AZPerforms was successfully upgraded and is now available. "If you make a whole ton of money and you're on unemployment, the most you're going to get is $240 a week to be able to pay your bills," said Rowan. Republicans last year cut $1.7 billion in income taxes. The budget also makes a $1.1 billion deposit into the pension fund for public safety and corrections officers, paying off the states unfunded liability for future retirement benefits. Their agreement adds $80 million in combined additional funding for Arizona State University and Northern Arizona University, bringing their funding boosts in line with additional money already allocated to University of Arizona. But the fate of dollars for the rural and family lands program remained in flux late Tuesday. Be sure to review the dental information above to see if it applies to you. A proposed expansion of a tax credit to subsidize private school tuition was removed from the must-pass budget, likely dooming it. The Department of Administration, which functions as state government's human-resources department and works directly for Ducey,gave at least 245 employees roughly half of itsstaff pay raises that average 18 percent, or an $11,496 increase. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Arizona State Retirement System ECD employees participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS). Its not just line DPS troopers that are getting premium pay; dispatchers, crime lab technicians, radio repair staff and many others are getting premium pay, which ends on June 30. Kathryn Palmer. Doug Ducey's administration is stepping up the firing of state workers, many of whom can be let go without explanation under a law enacted during his predecessor's administration that revamped the state's personnel system. The House is adjourned until tomorrow, March 4 at 9 a.m. Other priorities in the governors program include: $248 million for targeted pay raises for state workers. For example, Arizona State University is getting $21 million for new programs in engineering, Theres $415 million for the University of Arizona for its programs in health, mining, space and defense, with about $10 million for Northern Arizona University for health care professions. Doug Ducey was expected to approve it. DeSantis had called for pouring about $355 million into construction, home-buying and rent relief efforts. But many of his comments leave quest, For Star subscribers:Senate President Karen Fann tells the Star in a Q&A the plan is to set up a program to achieve short- to long-term g, Schools chief Kathy Hoffman called out Republican legislative leaders Tuesday for failing so far to ensure that schools across the state won't. Both measures will allow laid-off . pay raises that average 18 percent, or an $11,496 increase. Jeffrey Hawkins, president of the Arizona State Troopers Association, said the premium pay is sorely needed at the agency that not only patrols state highways but does investigations, runs a crime lab and does many other law enforcement jobs. Boyer, who started as a Senate staffer and has been a lawmaker for a decade, said this is the first bipartisan budget in at least 15 years. For more information, refer to the web story from AZDOR:Arizonas Employees Have New Tax Withholding Options. In another dramatic move, lawmakers dropped a House-backed $200 million redistribution of funds from 12 counties that defied Gov. The new budget also is built on the premise that the 2.5% flat tax proposal approved last year will, in fact, take effect this year at an annual cost of $1.9 billion despite the fact that foes have gathered enough signatures to delay it until the public can vote on it in November. Tune in to FOX 10 Phoenixfor the latestnews: By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. "Arizona is resilient, and we . Updated: 6:21 AM MST June 23, 2022 ARIZONA, USA Editor's note: The above video aired during a previous broadcast. That is far short of the $1 billion commitment he made in his State of the State speech. "It really was just a stopgap to start trying to stop people from leaving because all the agencies around us have received considerable pay raises and we were still so far behind," Hawkins said. Jan 14, 2022 Updated Feb 19, 2023 PHOENIX Buoyed by strong state revenues, Gov. It allows state and local governments to. The budget also includes $160 million to start work on increasing the states water supply. The Cigna DHMO Dental plan is changing to the UnitedHealthcare Solstice S800B DHMO (UHC Solstice). $49.1 million for an across-the-board pay . Senate Bill 1828(Laws 2021, Fifty-fifth Legislature, 1st Regular Session)amended the individual income tax withholding brackets. The larger raise for troopers came out of debate about locality pay for state troopers in competitive areas, particularly Berkeley, Jefferson and Morgan counties. Learn about Deferred Compensation and how this important employee benefit can assist you in Saving for the Future. Rick Scott, a multi-millionaire, who had sold the states former air fleet and paid for and used his own jet for state travel. 2305. As new information becomes available related to submitting a new 2023 A4, it will be published here. The average raise for a Ducey staffer was 11 percentsince he took office. Visit the Benefits Website Links to some of the frequently visited benefits information: Employee Discounts (including tuition discounts) Both measures will allow laid-off workers to take on more part-time work. Arizonas legislature has approved a bipartisan $18 billion spending plan making substantial investments in public schools and new highways.