Dustin Hurst reports in quick action Thursday, the House Commerce and Human Resources Committee killed a bill that would have denied state workers raises in the next fiscal year.

A second measure, basing raises on merit alone, was altered to match a prior wage recommendation.

Rep. Stephen Hartgen, R-Twin Falls, asked that the bill denying raises be held, saying there is no desire to consider it.

The second measure is being sent to the House amending order so lawmakers can change it to align it with a permanent 2 percent state worker pay raise recommendation set by the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee (JFAC) last week. The JFAC measure would give all state workers 2 percent raises if they meet performance standards.