Governor Ducey: $74M in pay raises for public safety employees
State troopers, correctional officers, agency directors, and more showed their support on Tuesday for pay raises for public safety employees included in Governor Doug Ducey’s budget.
The budget, released Friday, includes $74 million to provide raises for over 14,400 public safety personnel employed by the state – roughly 40 percent of the entire state workforce.
“As the son of a cop, I know firsthand the sacrifices made by our men and women in uniform, as well as their families,” said Governor Ducey. “They deserve our constant gratitude and respect. That’s why Arizona is making sure they’re paid what they deserve. While there’s always more we can do to support our law enforcement and public safety personnel, this investment will go a long way to ensuring these employees, who make up roughly 40 percent of all state workers, are recognized and valued for their work.”
Here’s a breakdown of what’s included in the $74 million:
$35.5 million for pay raises ranging from 5 percent to 15 percent in the Department of Corrections, with over 94 percent of the increase dedicated to security personnel. $3.4 million for pay raises at the Department of Juvenile Corrections. $21.5 million for a 10 percent increase in DPS Trooper salaries, increasing starting Trooper pay from $46,988 to $51,687 , with a 5 percent increase in DPS civilian salaries. $9 million for a 9 percent increase for caseworker salaries at the Department of Child Safety. $3.5 million to reduce Arizona State Hospital staff turnover and vacancy rates. “Serving inside a prison can be a thankless job, but today, every corrections officer in Arizona has reason to feel appreciated,” said Clint Roberts, Correctional Officer II, President of Arizona Corrections Association and member of Arizona Police Association. “If there is one message I’d like to relay to our state legislators, it’s this — we ask you to support these raises for our correctional officers and public safety.”
The fiscally conservative budget also includes $165 million for the second year of teacher raises as part of increasing teacher salaries 20 percent by 2020.
It also will include money for the state’s rainy day fund.
