Silver State Times

Gov. Steve Sisolak (D-NV) has released proposals from the 2023-2025 budget, which invests both in capital projects and in employees aiming to reduce the gap between private and public sector salaries. 

“I am grateful to the Governor’s Finance Office, our state agencies and my team for their diligent work to prepare an executive budget that will help improve the quality of life for all Nevadans,” Sisolak said in a press release shared by the Nevada government.

A raise for state employees of approximately 10% is being proposed in the first year of the biennium, followed by a raise for state employees of approximately 5% in the second year.

The governor's proposed large wage boost is meant to offset the 4% and 6% (public safety) Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) hikes slated to begin next year, according to the release.

The proposal hopes to counter the wage gap of state employees and those in the private sector who work in a similar field, along with other governmental entities. The projected budget also calls for all employees to receive a $1,250 retention reward annually during the budget period.

 “This budget includes investments in our state’s future including capital project construction, record education funding, tools to protect our state’s natural resources and a pay raise for the state employees who serve constituents daily," Sisolak said. "I am especially proud of the work we’ve done to help increase education funding to unprecedented levels – almost a 150% increase, and it’s my strong desire these funds get down to teachers and students.”

According to the release, the budget serves as a barometer that Sisolak must take into account when planning the executive budget for the upcoming biennium, which was cemented by the Economic Forum. The budget has been in the works by the governor's administration for roughly one-and-a-half years.