Connecticut Lawmakers Approve $2B State Worker Pay Bump

0:00It's April 30th, from your city to your ears, this is Hartford News today, powered by AI. State lawmakers in Connecticut just greenlit paybumps for 42,000 state workers, sealing a deal expected to cost $2 billion over, four years. The package includes a general raise of 2.5%, plus a 2% step increase for most, totaling around 4.5% for many employees. The Senate passed a 26-10, mostly along party lines, but one Republican from a prison heavy district crossed over to vote yes. Hours later, the House approved it 107-42, with six more Republicans joining Democrats, including a retired corrections. Officer and a long-time cop. Democrats argued these folks handle brutal gigs like guarding inmates or aiding troubled families, and they deserve it after years without raises. Republicans fired back that state workers are already among the nation's best paid, second only to California, and taxpayers are footing a massive bill.

1:02While struggling themselves, context shows average pay has climbed to nearly 95,000 bucks a year since the governor took office in 2019, up over 30%. With hefty overtime like 378 million last year, much from prisons and mental health spots. Times are rising too, though newer hires get leaner hybrid plans. This move keeps essential services rolling, but critics warn its prioritizing payroll over long-term budget health, especially with elections. Looming setting the stage for tougher fiscal talks ahead.