Legislators again call for a significant federal pay raise next year – By Jessie Bur (Federal Times) / January 22 2021
Just weeks into 2021, some members of Congress are already looking to cement a record-high pay raise for federal employees in 2022.
Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-Va., reintroduced the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates Act in the House Jan. 21, which would provide federal employees with a total 3.2 percent pay increase on their 2022 paychecks. Sen. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, is expected to introduce a companion bill in the Senate.
That pay increase would consist of a 2.2 percent basic pay adjustment and a 1 percent increase to locality pay, which is used to balance income for feds living in expensive parts of the country.
“Federal employees have scapegoated for four long years,” said Connolly in a news release.
“They’ve worked tirelessly throughout a global pandemic, risking their lives in service to the American people. And how has the Trump administration thanked them? With cruel personal attacks, unsafe work environments, pay freezes, government shutdowns, sequestration cuts, furloughs and a mindless across-the-board hiring freeze. Still, our federal workforce serves with dedication and distinction every day. They deserve better. The FAIR Act is critical step towards recognizing their contributions and providing fair and just compensation.”
