Pence authorizes $42M in raises for state workers

Some of Indiana's state employees are getting performance-based raises that are expected to cost $42 million over the next year.

Gov. Mike Pence authorized the raises for state employees Tuesday. The Indianapolis Star reports Pence told state workers in a letter that the pay increases will be based on performance evaluations that are completed in January.

Workers who meet expectations can expect a 3 percent raise, while those who exceed expectations will receive a 4 percent increase. Those rated outstanding will get a 6 percent hike.

Pence spokeswoman Kara Brooks says the raises are estimated to cost $17.5 million during the final five months of the fiscal year, which ends June 30.

She didn't say how many employees were expected to receive raises. Indiana employs about 28,000 full-time workers.