Governor Kelly announced a series of new pay initiatives to address staffing shortages at several 24/7 State facilities, including Kansas Department of Corrections facilities, Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services state hospitals and the Kansas Commission of Veterans Affairs Office veterans’ homes.

Several other states, including Nebraska, Florida, and Arkansas, have also implemented various pay plans designed to address similar staff shortages.

The Kansas plan will provide both long-term and temporary pay increases, including a permanent base pay increase and temporary pay differentials, with “differential pay” defined as extra compensation for employees during extraordinary times of staff shortages.

“The staff in our 24/7 facilities are the frontline workers for some of the most necessary and, frankly, thankless work that we do for Kansans,” Governor Kelly said. “These pay increases are well deserved – and my administration will continue working to support our state employees and their families.”

Kansas law prohibits several employment-related bonus tools, like retention bonuses, for state employees that are available to other states. The law also limits the amount that can be paid to staff in a single Fiscal Year. Kelly’s plan recommends the maximum bonus for salaried staff that is allowed under the current law.

The pay increases will be phased in with the base-pay increases taking effect during the next pay period, beginning Nov. 28th. Governor Kelly will issue an Executive Directive authorizing the initial pay increases and will pay for them with existing agency funds. She will work with Legislative leadership to fund the rest of the pay plan and get it fully implemented as soon as possible.

The incentive program focuses on, but is not limited to: juvenile corrections officers, corrections officers, nurses, and others who provide direct care. Additionally, Governor Kelly is also ordering Kansas Dept. of Corrections to purchase and provide Multi-Threat Tactical Safety Vests to all Corrections Officers who work in 24/7 facilities.

You can view the Kansas plan here.