> It is not exactly practical for state government to try to match west coast compensation. It isn't, though there may be a sharp difference in cost of living

> It is not exactly practical for state government to try to match west coast compensation. It isn't, though there may be a sharp difference in cost of living and that's a strong consideration with wages. That, and a pension and benefits is taken for granted by younger people. Besides govt positions tending to be less exciting, you can really put some money away. Moving up, though, is a sluggish process.