3 PERCENT RAISE FOR STATE WORKERS INCLUDED IN BUDGET

Budget negotiators have opted to give state employees a 3-percent raise for the upcoming fiscal year, a position proposed by the governor and supported by the Senate. The House of Representatives had wanted to give employees a flat raise of $1,056, which would have put more money in the pockets of lower-paid state employees and given smaller raises to higher-paid workers.

Under the 3-percent plan, an employee making $100,000 will get a $3,000 raise while an employee earning $20,000 will get a $600 raise. State employee groups had urged budget negotiators to accept the House position, which House Democrats successfully passed through the chamber earlier this year after several years of trying.