The Senate Finance Meeting held on January 31, 2025, focused on critical discussions regarding personnel benefit costs, particularly health insurance funding for state employees. The meeting was led by Mr. Bybee, who outlined three proposed motions related to health insurance appropriations for full-time equivalent positions (FTEs).

The first motion presented was based on the recommendations from the CEC committee, proposing a funding level of $13,960 per FTE. The second motion, aligned with the governor's recommendation, suggested an increase to $14,300 per FTE. The third option, described as a "Goldilocks motion," proposed a midpoint funding level of $14,130 per FTE.

Mr. Bybee emphasized that the most significant adjustment in personnel benefit costs was related to health insurance, alongside smaller adjustments for workers' compensation and Social Security. Following the presentation, Senator Woodward moved to adopt the midpoint funding level of $14,130, which would result in a total increase of approximately $48.4 million from various funding sources.

In contrast, Representative Handy proposed a motion to adopt the governor's recommendation of $14,300 per FTE, which would lead to a total increase of about $56.3 million. This motion received a second from Senator Ward Engelking, who expressed support for the governor's recommendation.

The meeting highlighted the ongoing discussions around funding for state employee benefits, reflecting the Senate's efforts to balance fiscal responsibility with adequate support for personnel. Further deliberations and votes on these motions are expected in subsequent sessions, as the Senate continues to navigate budgetary decisions for the upcoming fiscal year.