Relating To Public Employment Cost Items.
The bill seeks to address the funding requirements for salary adjustments that have been agreed upon in collective bargaining negotiations. While it does not provide specific figures for the funding, it authorizes the necessary financial resources to ensure compliance with the negotiated agreements. Importantly, the funding mechanism outlined in the bill allows for adjustments to be made proportionately from federal, special, or other designated funds, which may impact budget allocations for state departments and their financial planning for employee compensation over the specified years.
Senate Bill 1073 pertains to public employment cost items in the State of Hawaii for the fiscal biennium 2021-2023. The bill primarily focuses on appropriating and authorizing funds needed to meet the salary increases and other cost adjustments for state employees, particularly those represented by collective bargaining unit (5). The provisions aim to ensure that employees, including those excluded from collective bargaining, will receive adjustments in line with their compensation plans as negotiated with their representatives. Notably, the bill specifies that such increases will be funded from various sources, albeit with no direct allocations indicated in the accompanying financial sections.
The sentiment surrounding SB 1073 has been generally positive among supporters who see it as a necessary legislative measure to uphold agreements made with state employees. Advocates believe it is essential to ensure that salary adjustments are respected and financially supported through state legislation. However, due to the lack of specified funding sources, some stakeholders have raised concerns regarding how the adjustments will be adequately financed, potentially leading to discussions about budgetary constraints and priorities within state funding.
One notable point of contention revolves around the financial viability of the appropriations made under SB 1073, as the bill outlines that funds appropriated but not expended by June 30 in the corresponding fiscal years will lapse. This raises questions about the potential for unutilized funds and the implications for meeting the obligations of salary increases without sufficient financial backup. Moreover, the implementation date set for July 1, 2050, adds complexity to discussions around the urgency and feasibility of the bill, which could lead to further scrutiny and debate as the implementation date approaches.