BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Idaho lawmakers will take a look at state employee pay rates this year as they continue to fall behind market rates. The Spokesman-Review reports that pay for Idaho employees is about 19 percent below market rates, and that gap has been growing for the last decade.

Now, for the first time in six years, a joint legislative committee will reconvene to examine the issue. Republican Rep. Steve Hartgen from Twin Falls says state employees have held the government together during recession, and he hopes they know lawmakers are doing the best they can.

The latest state report shows pay for Idaho state workers is about 29 percent lower than private-sector wages, and about 10 percent lower than rates in surrounding states.

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