FY2008 Budget: The Fine Print

I take a closer look at the pay raises and other details in the newly approved budget bill in today's story for The Associated Press.

Figures from the State Budget Office show how the 3.5 percent pay raise promised to most state employees will actually vary above and below that level:

14,621 employees make more than $34,286, so their raises are capped at $1,200;
1,209 make less than $17,143, but will receive $600 nonetheless; and
19,329 receive annual salaries between those ranges, and so their actual raises will be at 3.5%.

I also have some details from the Legislature's efforts to fund Budget Digest-type items. Though lawmakers abolished the digest last year, they continue to search for a new way to earmark money for home district projects and needs.