Louisiana House Bill HCR128

Louisiana 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/25/11
• Refer: 5/26/11
• Report Pass: 6/8/11
• Engrossed: 6/14/11

Caption

Requests establishment of pay systems and procedures for classified and unclassified state employees that provide for cost-of-living increases and rewards for performance and clearly distinguish between them

Impact

If enacted, HCR128 would necessitate the implementation of performance evaluation systems that will directly affect eligibility for pay increases. Crucially, the resolution mandates that base pay increases be tied to verified increases in the cost of living. This shift is significant, as it aims not only to protect employees from the erosion of their purchasing power due to inflation but also to acknowledge exceptional performance through additional financial recognition.

Summary

HCR128 is a proposed concurrent resolution urging the State Civil Service Commission and the governor's office to develop and implement standardized pay systems and procedures for both classified and unclassified state employees in Louisiana. The aim is to ensure that compensation structures keep pace with the cost of living while also rewarding outstanding job performance. By distinguishing between cost-of-living increases and performance-based pay, the resolution is designed to provide transparency and fairness in state employee compensation practices.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment around HCR128 appears to skew positive among those advocating for fair compensation for state employees. Supporters argue that the resolution will restore trust in how state employee pay is determined and will help attract and retain talented individuals within state government positions. However, it is crucial to note that the absence of comprehensive discussions or documented opposition within the available records leaves some aspects of public sentiment unclear.

Contention

One notable point of contention could arise regarding how performance evaluations will be structured and who will determine the criteria for merit-based pay increases. Critics of similar resolutions in the past have raised concerns about the subjective nature of performance evaluations and the potential for inconsistencies in how pay increases are allocated. Thus, it will be vital for the State Civil Service Commission to address these concerns when formulating the proposed pay systems.