Signed by Governor Brian Schweitzer

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that amends the statutes related to compensation for state employees, including a freezing of wages for executive branch employees for fiscal years 2008-2009 and 2009-2010, providing for a one-time bonus to qualifying executive branch employees, and increasing the state contribution for the group benefits of executive, legislative, and judicial branch employees.

Highlights:

-Eliminates the annual three percent salary increase for executive branch employees for fiscal years 2008-2009 and 2009-2010 (Sec. 4). -Provides a one-time lump-sum payment of $450 for full-time executive branch state employees earning $45,000 or less per year and $225 for part-time executive branch state employees working at least 20 hours per week earning $21.635 per hour or less, both to be distributed during the first full pay period after July 1, 2009 (Sec. 4). -Increases the state contribution for legislative, executive, and judicial branch employee group insurance benefits from $626 to $679 per month from January 2010 through December 2010 and $733 per month for January 2011 and each month thereafter (Sec. 5). -Increases the state contribution for Montana university system employee group insurance benefits from $626 to $679 per month from July 2009 through June 2010 and $733 per month for July 2010 and for each month thereafter (Sec. 5).

Full Bill Text