'Historic' State Worker Pay Raises in Final Budget

James Call in the Tallahassee Democrat reports on the "historic" raises in the state budget, thanks to AFSCME advocacy and member activism.

AFSCME, the labor union representing state workers, said it “appreciates” the state recognizes there’s been “years of undervaluing” workers.

“Our members deserve annual raises like this one so that state employment pays living wages and continues to be a sustainable career option for professionals,” said Vicki Hall, president of Florida AFSCME. “Too many workers are leaving for more rewarding employment elsewhere and the state is unable to maintain adequate staffing levels.”

Leon County legislators are quoted calling the state worker pay raise, "the big prize." Lawmakers directed an additional $1 billion towards salaries and increase the pay to state workers, first responders, corrections officers and teachers.

Still, Florida has the smallest and "least expensive" state workforce per 1,000 residents among the states.

More: Gov. Ron DeSantis signs historic state pay raise, vetoes funds for Second Harvest