Lincolnite

I think comparing what other states pay is a good barometer for what Nebraska is paying. That doesn’t mean it should be the only criteria on which to base pay, but it can definitely tell us if our salaries are out of whack.

I know someone who works for the state and a raise of 2.5 percent on a low salary is still a low salary. If anyone deserves a raise, it’s him.

As tax dollars are stretched more thin, it’s a good thing someone is looking out for people like him.

I think, taken in and of itself, it’s a terrible indicator. I always get mad when teachers unions (they are the ones that stick out in my mind, I am sure others do it too) run around with ads touting that are teachers’ pay ranks 42nd or whatever in the US. Where does our cost of living in Nebraska rate? As long as our wages are in that range, to me that’s a better indicator than just what other states or cities do. A $60,000 job here *may* indeed be better, economically, than a $100,000 job in NY or CA or CT or other places. If Nebraska’s cost of living ranks around 40th (just a guess), then our wages should fall in line or slighly above there - but not necessarily keeping up with all the Joneses.

Actually, if you look at the Cost of Living adjusted per capita personal income by state (http://staging.okcommerce.gov/test1/dmdocuments/2007_Economic_Briefing_March_2007_0204072143.pdf)
Nebraska ranks number 5. There’s always arguments about statistics, and why you would use the per capita income, and this is actually more of a measure of total financial well-being of the citizens of a state, but I happen to think that’s more useful than just the raw number.

I has a raise comin?

eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

Being a stater rules.

If I can get paid more in a neighboring state for the same state job I am doing in Nebraska, that may convince me to move there.

Although, then I wouldn’t be able to annoy my NY friends and family with my fave day off, Arbor Day, anymore….

Hmmm…is having a decent salary really worth it?

I agree with foxspit, I’d like for it to be AN indicator but not the only one.

Mr. Wilson, when you ask that question, are you playing naive for the purposes of discussion?

@Neal: What do you think?

(Don’t you hate it when people answer a question with a question?)

I think it’s too convenient for state officials to talk about how Nebraska’s low cost of living makes it OK for salaries in Nebraska to be lower than salaries in surrounding states?

The reason people leave Nebraska is because they can make more money somewhere else. Yes other states may have homes that cost more, but comparing groceries, utilities, taxes, etc… I don’t think Nebraska wins that comparison.

Somebody in Nebraska is making good money and, in general, I don’t think it’s the wage earners. Until salaries improve, Nebraska will fight brain drain.

A slight rant on my part, but I get fed up hearing people talk about how it’s OK to pay someone less in Nebraska because there are other things that make up for it. Hogwash.

Point of clarification, I enjoy my current job and am referring to my days in the profit-sector.

This just in:

“MEMORANDUM TO:      All State Employees

FROM:      Governor Dave Heineman

SUBJECT:      Employee Salaries

I would like to personally share with you that the State of Nebraska will not be appealing the CIR ruling.  Therefore, in accordance with the CIR ruling, NAPE contract bargaining unit employees will be receiving a salary increase in the very near future.

As I have said several times over the past few months, a long, drawn out pay resolution process was not in the best interests of state employees.  An extended appeal of 18 to 36 months through the court system would significantly lengthen an already protracted process.

Many of you have shared your concerns with me about how this process is impacting employee morale, retention and recruitment.  I appreciate those concerns and I appreciate the work that you do for the State.

Therefore, it is time to move forward and focus all of our energies on providing the services that our citizens expect from us.  As your Governor, I appreciate your dedication and commitment to our State.  Thank you for your service to the State of Nebraska.”

ha I just got that email as well.

I do not think I am a NAPE employee though :(

I don’t even know what that is?  Steve or anybody elaborate?

NAPE is the Nebraska Association of Public Employees.

Thanks Brent. Had never heard of it till the Gov’s email.

:(

I am actually employed by the Legislature which is a separate entity of “state” employee.  So it not good news for me, but I can hardly complain about my wage.