Federal workers could see a significant boost in their paychecks next year under a new proposal introduced by Democratic lawmakers. The FAIR Act, recently reintroduced by Congressman Gerry Connolly and Senator Brian Schatz, aims to provide a 4.3% pay increase for civilian federal employees beginning next January.
The proposed raise comes on the heels of a 2% average salary boost that federal employees received this year. According to Democrats, the larger increase outlined in the FAIR Act is necessary to help federal workers keep up with the rising cost of living.
Connolly and Schatz have regularly introduced the FAIR Act over the past decade, but despite their consistent efforts, the legislation has never advanced in Congress. The reintroduction of the bill underscores the lawmakers’ continued push for higher compensation for federal employees, even as its fate in the legislative process remains uncertain.
Democrats argue that the proposed pay raise in the FAIR Act would bridge the gap between federal salaries and inflation, a critical issue for many workers. However, as in previous years, the bill’s future depends on whether it can gain enough traction in Congress to move forward.
The FAIR Act represents another attempt by its sponsors to prioritize the financial well-being of federal employees, though it remains to be seen whether this year’s proposal will lead to the legislative action it has long sought.
