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Bill seeks to rein in state employees’ wages until oil prices rise

State workers wouldn’t see pay hikes based on experience until oil prices rise sharply, under a bill introduced Monday in the House.

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House Bill 379 says that the Legislature plans to approve contracts with public employee unions that suspend step increases until after oil prices average $90 per barrel for a year.

Legislative leaders have been looking for ways to reduce the state budget as they weigh cuts to Permanent Fund dividends and oil and gas tax credits.

It was the only bill introduced Monday, the first day after the scheduled end of the legislative session.

Andrew Kitchenman is the editor-in-chief of the Alaska Beacon. He has covered state government in Alaska since 2016, previously serving as the Capitol reporter for Alaska Public Media and KTOO. Contact Andrew at info@alaskabeacon.com.