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GOP budget includes 'living wage' minimum for state workers

Thousands of the lowest-paid state employees would receive substantial salary increases in the North Carolina budget bill moving quickly through the General Assembly.
Credit: Micha? Chodyra
Photo: Thinkstock

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - Thousands of the lowest-paid state employees would receive substantial salary increases in the North Carolina budget bill moving quickly through the General Assembly.

Republican budget-writers announced Thursday that rank-and-file workers in state agencies would receive 2 percent raises, with all full-time worker salaries reaching at least $31,200. Currently the salary floor is just over $24,300, so raises could approach 30 percent for those near the current minimum.

The State Employees Association of North Carolina described the proposal as creating a "living wage" equating to $15 per hour. SEANC (see-NICK) Executive Director Robert Broome says it would help those workers who haven't benefited much during the economic recovery.

The budget is likely to be voted on by the House and Senate next week.

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