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Pulling back the curtains on wage-theft enforcement in MN; Trump's latest attack is on RFK, Jr; NM LGBTQ+ equality group endorses 2024 'Rock Star' candidates; Michigan's youth justice reforms: Expanded diversion, no fees.

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Governor’s State Employee Pay Package a Disappointment to Workers

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Wednesday, December 5, 2007   

Pierre, SD – Citing slow economic growth in his annual budget message this week, Governor Mike Rounds recommended limiting state employee pay raises to 2.5 percent next year which is down from the normal 3 percent increase. That's disappointing news to the group representing those workers. South Dakota State Employees Organization executive director Corey Landeen says more should have been done to increase state employee pay when revenues were exceeding expectations in past years. He says there is hope workers will get a fair shake when the salary issue is debated, because general state revenues have made significant gains in recent months.

"The economic numbers continue to improve. It looks like we've made up some significant ground just since this past September. It looks like we made up a $120 million shortfall between revenues and expenses. We'll hope the elected officials will have the political will to reevaluate this proposal come this legislative session."

Landeen says when it comes to pay rates, both South Dakota's private and public sector are behind their neighbors in the region. He believes moderate to significant salary increases are crucial to ensure the state can attract and retain workers.

"Everyone is affected by the cost. We're talking $3 gas and $4 milk. The housing market has started to slow down. Those effects are being seen here in South Dakota now. Some of our employees at the lower end of the scale are definitely going to be hurt by this. It's tough to keep up with where they were, and with the increased costs of the things, it's not going to get any easier."

He says the Governor and Legislature have a tough job, but that people are South Dakota's number one resource and that a competitive salary is the glue to keep talented individuals working in the state.


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