Gov. Mike Pence authorizes $42M in raises for state employees

Gov. Mike Pence authorized performance raises for state employees on Tuesday that are expected to cost $42 million over the next year.

In a letter to state employees, Pence said pay bumps will be based on performance evaluations that are completed in January. Workers who meet expectations can expect a 3 percent raise. Those who exceed expectations will receive a 4 percent increase. And those rated outstanding will get a 6 percent hike.

“Indiana deserves a government as good as our people,” Pence wrote. “This year, because of the excellent public service demonstrated throughout state government, I am pleased to authorize a pay for performance increase in 2016.”

Kara Brooks, a spokeswoman for the governor, said the raises are estimated to cost $17.5 million during the final five months of the fiscal year, which ends June 30. That’s about $3.5 million a month.

She did not say how many employees were expected to receive raises. The state employs about 28,000 full-time workers.

This year's raises represent a slight  increase over the previous year, when Pence authorized raises of 2 percent for workers who meet expectations, 4 percent for those who exceed expectations and 6 percent for those rated outstanding.

Call Star reporter Tony Cook at (317) 444-6081. Follow him on Twitter: @indystartony.