State worker pay raise hopes rest in Senate

Senate President Joe Negron talks like 2017 is the year for a state worker pay raise.​

Florida has fewer state employees per capita in the nation and pays them less, per resident, than any other state. About 73,000 Career Service employees make around $35,000 a year and have gone 10 years without an across-the-board increase.

Negron indicated Tuesday that he thinks a raise is almost a sure thing. He points to Sen. Jack Latvala, the Senate Appropriations chairman, who has made a pay hike his No. 1 priority for the 2017 session.

“In my experience, when the appropriations chairman of the House or Senate make something their No. 1 priority I would bet on them and on the Patriots,” said Negron, referring to the Super Bowl Champs.

Read more: http://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/2017/03/07/state-worker-pay-raise-hopes-rest-senate/98865666/