The bill's passage could significantly influence salaries and benefits for state employees under bargaining unit (2) by authorizing funding that ensures compliance with negotiated contracts. By providing clarity and funding source allocations for these costs, SB992 aims to maintain the quality of public services while accommodating the needs of public sector workers in Hawaii. This could lead to improvements in employee morale and retention rates if the raises and benefits are deemed sufficient.
Summary
SB992 relates to public employment cost items and provides appropriations for collective bargaining for members of bargaining unit (2) and those excluded from bargaining. The bill outlines the necessary funding for the fiscal biennium 2021-2023, addressing salary adjustments and health benefit costs as negotiated with the collective bargaining representatives. This includes funding provisions for diverse departments, especially affecting the education sector and health systems administration in Hawaii.
Contention
While there may not be a noted contention directly within the bill framework itself, debates could arise regarding the allocation of funds, especially given the current economic constraints faced by state budgets during this period. Stakeholders may express differing views on how the funding aligns with overall state priorities, with potential arguments for or against the prioritization of public sector wage increases in the face of funding challenges for other critical services.