Gov. Josh Stein wasted no time following last week's primary election, offering a “critical needs” budget this week to set a tone for the upcoming Short Session.

The $1.4 billion proposal is unlikely to pass the Republican-led legislature. It included $319 million in Medicaid funding, along with $340 million in raises for state employees, teachers, and administrators, and a one-time supplement for retirees.

The figures:

• at least a 2.5% raise for all state employees, with higher raises for certain jobs.
• 10% raises for correctional officers, law enforcement officers, and youth counselors.
• 10% raises for nurses and behavioral health technicians who work in state‑run facilities.
• 6.5% raises for juvenile court counselors, probation officers, and parole officers.
• $3.7 million for the State Bureau of Investigation and $80 million for the Department of Adult Correction, both to address budget shortfalls.
• a 2.5% one-time supplement for retirees.

On this week's episode of The SEANC View Podcast, we discuss the proposal and the response it received from legislators.

You have the chance to fight for your raises and COLAs! Be sure to plan to attend our Lobby Day on May 6 to make your voice heard! Click here for details and to reserve your spot. Deadline to register is April 24.