Governor Mike Parson will recommend a 5.5 percent Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) and a $15 per hour minimum base pay for all state employees

Governor Mike Parson announced that he will recommend a 5.5 percent Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) and a $15 per hour minimum base pay standard for all state employees across state government. “With many positions across state government facing turnover rates anywhere from 10-100 percent and vacancy rates from 30-100 percent, it is past time for us to make these investments in our state workforce, which remains one of the lowest-paid the nation,” Governor Parson said. “Our direct care and front line staff often make less than entry-level retail positions. These public servants have tough jobs and rarely receive the thanks they deserve, and communities all across the state rely on them every day.” The recommendation will be included in Governor Parson’s Supplemental Budget request to be introduced at the beginning of the 2022 Regular Legislative Session, which begins on January 5, 2022, with the goal of passage before February 1, 2022. These salary adjustments will require General Assembly approval before they can go into effect.