The compensation package that has been sent by the Arizona Legislature to Gov. Janet Napolitano would give NAU employees an across-the-board pay increase and the possibility of merit increases if the governor approves the plan.

Napolitano highlighted the need to increase state employee pay in her State of the State address and recommended 7.5 percent in her budget proposal. It is unknown whether the various provisions and amounts in this bill will meet her approval.

The governor has until Feb. 2 to take action on the bill.

In its current form, the bill would provide all state employees—including university employees—a pay increase of $1,650 effective March 11. It also provides funds for an additional 2.5 percent raise based on merit. Universities have been given flexibility on how to award these merit funds.

The legislation, HB2661, can be found at www.azleg.state.az.us.