AL SJR6

Resolution encourages Governor Bentley to end the freeze on state employee merit raises that has been in effect since December 15, 2008.

State employees have experienced significant financial losses including a 50 percent increase in retirement contributions, at least $180 annual increases in health insurance costs, and a 9 percent cumulative inflation rate since 2008.

Employees lost an additional 2 percent in pay effective January 1, 2013 when the Social Security payroll tax holiday ended.

Eligible state employees have permanently lost up to 20 percent in earned merit pay increases, with cumulative losses of 13.5 percent in pay and purchasing power since October 1, 2008, and worst-affected employees suffering over 33 percent in total losses.

Resolution passed by both houses of the Alabama Legislature on February 6 and 14, 2013, with a copy to be provided to the Governor.