Change in Employee Compensation (CEC)

Boise State University makes every effort to ensure that its compensation structure supports employees, recognizes meritorious service, and remains competitive in an increasingly global job market. Annual increases are an important part of retaining a skilled and dedicated workforce. In Idaho, annual compensation increases for public employees are governed by a variety of state laws and policies and must be authorized annually by the Idaho State Legislature. The State of Idaho refers to some employee pay raises or other wage considerations as Change in Employee Compensation (CEC). There is a CEC legislative committee and the overall evaluation of employee wages is referred to as the CEC process. Boise State is not provided state CEC dollars to cover all campus positions, so there must be sufficient university base funding to cover recommended employee increases.

Current Status for the Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) CEC process:

The FY25 CEC Process has been approved. For more information on this year’s CEC, visit the Walk Thru the CEC website.

The CEC Process

Each year, the CEC process involves 10 distinct steps, as noted below. Please be aware that the steps do not always follow an exact order due to committee assignments or shifting legislative priorities. Currently, we are in Step Nine. 

STEP ONE:

Each December, the Idaho Division of Human Resources (DHR) publishes a full study of public employment compensation in Idaho with an analysis of compensation trends, market competitiveness, past increases, and the total state benefits package. Step one completed by DHR in Dec. 2023.

STEP TWO:

Each December, DHR presents its annual compensation report and its CEC recommendations to the Idaho State Legislature’s Joint Change in Employee Compensation Committee (JCECC). These recommendations may be accepted, rejected, or amended by the Governor or Legislature. Step two completed by DHR in December 2023.

STEP THREE:

Each January, the Idaho Governor, after reviewing DHR’s recommendations, advances a Governor’s Office recommendation in the annual budget proposal. The governor can choose to accept, reject, or amend DHR’s recommendation. Step three completed by the Governor’s office in January 2024.

STEP FOUR:

During the legislative session (typically in early spring), the JCECC will forward its CEC recommendations to the Idaho State’s Legislature’s Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee (JFAC). JCECC’s recommendations may or may not match those put forward by DHR and/or the Governor’s Office. Step four completed by JCECC in January 2024.

STEP FIVE:

In early to mid spring, the Presidents of all state universities and colleges present how they used legislative funds the past fiscal year as well as current needs. JFAC asks questions to clarify needs before submitting the budget to the House and Senate. University presidents also present to the House and Senate Education committees.

• Boise State’s JFAC Hearing Date: February 26
• Boise State’s House Education Hearing Date: February 27
• Boise State’s Senate Education Hearing Date: February 27

STEP SIX:

JFAC ultimately votes on a CEC package for the coming year and forwards that to both the House and Senate for approval as part of the overall budget. This bill will move to the Governor’s signature for final approval. This happens typically in mid-spring.

STEP SEVEN:

Once the CEC is approved (typically in mid to late spring) and authorized by the Legislature, DHR develops specific CEC implementation guidance for state agencies.

STEP EIGHT:

Boise State reviews DHR guidance and develops a plan as to how the CEC will apply to its workforce.

STEP NINE:

Boise State’s plan is presented to DHR and the Department of Financial Management (DFM) for approval. There may be further required amendments to Boise State’s plan based on DHR and/or DFM feedback.

STEP TEN:

DHR and DFM approve Boise State’s CEC plan and implementation begins.