Connecticut House Approves State Employee Pay Raises

0:00It's March 26th. Hartford News Today starts now, AI-powered and ready. I'm Cory with the story. Connecticut's House of Representatives just approved a four-year contract for 3,661 state employees offering annual. Raises of up to 5 percent. The deal covers service workers like maintenance crews, cleaners, cooks, and delivery staff, and it passed on a vote of 110 to 31. The agreement includes 2.5 percent general wage hikes plus step increases in lump sums that push the total to 5 percent each year. Fiscal estimates put the cost at $12 million this fiscal year, climbing to $45 million by the final year. Republicans warned it could make Connecticut state workers the highest paid in the nation outpacing even California while exceeding private sector, gains. Still, 14 Republicans cross lines to join Democrats in support during this election season. This comes after tough years in the 2010s, when wages froze, benefits shrank, and the workforce dropped by 10 percent through concessions.

1:06Union leaders argue the raises help the state stay competitive as an employer. More contracts are on the way, with over 30 bargaining deals expected soon, some retroactive to July 1st, 2025. Lawmakers say they'll tackle funding questions, like transportation fund shortfalls, and future budgets as needs arise.