A legislative committee recommends the state spend more than $6 billion next year on public education and general government programs, including at least a 1.5 percent pay increase to state agency and public school workers and the potential of higher pay raises for some employees.
The Legislative Finance Committee unveiled its budget recommendations on Friday. The proposals will form the foundation for the Legislature's spending decisions when lawmakers convene Jan. 21 for a 30-day session.
The committee proposed a nearly $254 million spending increase in the fiscal year beginning July 1 — about a 4.3 increase over this year's budget.
The panel recommended an across-the-board 1.5 percent pay raise for public employees, with money available for higher pay raises at the discretion of schools and government agencies.
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