Department of Human Resource Management officials told the subcommittee the Commonwealth has about 142,000 FTEs and a 12.8% turnover rate, and warned that pharmacy spending (notably GLP‑1 drugs and specialty biologics) has sharply increased and could push the Health Insurance Fund toward unsustainable levels without plan changes.

Human Resources Commissioner Beth Bastigy told the Senate Appropriations Committee that the department is seeking a 5% budget increase for fiscal 2027, saying roughly 80% of the request reflects higher salary and benefit expenses and that key projects are funded with one‑time appropriations.