By AP
Nashville, TN – The head of the Tennessee State Employees Association says the group will turn to election candidates for support in getting a pay increase after learning they won't receive a one-time pay supplement that officials promised.
Robert O'Connell says Tuesday's announcement by state Finance Commissioner Dave Goetz last week was, in his words, "the straw that broke the camel's back" because state employees haven't had a raise in three years. Goetz says the failed supplement is a result of low revenue collections. Nevertheless, O'Connell says employees will be asking their candidates to commit to funding a significant pay raise and health insurance relief. The supplement would have been $50 per year of service, with a maximum of $1,250.