Housing Allowance Extended

The State Employee Compensation Committee has recommended to the Governor that the housing allowance for state employees in Teton County not only continue, but that it be increased by $81 per month.  State Representative Keith Gingery Explains the allowance is needed because of the high cost of living here. He explains that the high cost of renting or owning a home along with the high cost of groceries and gas here is more than in other counties in the state.  So, to encourage people to work for the state and live in Teton County, he says the state offers this housing allowance. However, Gingery says the Committee also clarified that while new employees who live outside of Teton County but work in Teton County will not receive a housing allowance, those state employees who were under the old system and compensated for their housing in Lincoln or Sublette County were grandfathered in and will continue receiving the housing allowance.  Governor Mead is to act on the recommendation later in the month.