Bill boosting state worker longevity pay approved by committee

The Assembly Government Affairs Committee Thursday approved a bill increasing longevity pay for state workers.

AB392 was introduced by Assemblyman Morse Arberry, D-Las Vegas, who said it is designed to help the state keep its most experienced workers from leaving and to recognize the skills they have developed over the years.

The state now provides $150 more each year for a worker after eight years -- increasing by $50 for each year of service after that. At 25 years' experience, the employee is entitled to an annual payment of $1,000.

Arberry said those figures are low, compared to the larger local governments in Nevada. He cited Washoe County, where workers get $500 after five years of service and $2,500 after 25 years.

Arberry told the committee that AB392 would double longevity payments to $100 for each year of service after 15. At 25 years, he said the annual payment would be $1,450, rising by $150 per year after that.

He said since the Gov. Kenny Guinn's recommended budget does not include a raise for state workers, lawmakers should consider improving the longevity program to help keep the most experienced workers.

The legislation will cost just more than $1.1 million over the next two years and about $1.5 million in each two-year budget cycle thereafter.

Members of the committee, however, agreed it was a good idea and voted to recommend that the Assembly pass the measure. It will be voted on next week then, if approved, sent to the Senate for consideration.