Missouri governor pushes 5.5% pay raise for state workers

By SUMMER BALLENTINE
Associated Press

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Missouri Gov. Mike Parson is pushing lawmakers to approve a 5.5% state employee raise starting next month. Missouri Budget Director Dan Haug on Monday asked the House Budget Committee for $91 million for raises this year. Haug says the state is struggling to keep and recruit enough workers at mental hospitals, prisons and other state facilities. The plan has support from key House and Senate budget leaders. But some Republican lawmakers on Monday raised concerns about promising state workers a raise without knowing if Missouri can afford it in the future.