SB 5808 - DIGEST

Finds that the state, under chapter 41.56 RCW, has established guidelines and factors to be considered in determining interest arbitration decisions setting compensation and benefit spending levels for certain public employees. These guidelines and factors include consideration of the consumer price index to help determine compensation levels.

Finds that, subsequent to the enactment of chapter 41.56 RCW, the people of the state, through voter approval, have adopted state referenda and initiatives establishing the implicit price deflator for personal consumption as the standard and basis for determining inflationary increases in governmental spending and revenue authority.

Finds that the use of the consumer price index in chapter 41.56 RCW is in conflict and incompatible with recent voter- approved legislation adopting the implicit price deflator as the basis for determining increases in spending and revenue authority. The legislature intends to eliminate this conflict by amending chapter 41.56 RCW to adopt the implicit price deflator as a basis for determining increases in compensation levels.

Finds it in the interest and welfare of the public for the arbitration panel to consider the financial ability of the respective unit of government.