Missouri lawmakers approve 8.7% raise for state workers

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri state workers are in line to get an 8.7% pay raise. State lawmakers on Wednesday sent a bill authorizing the pay hike to Republican Gov. Mike Parson. Parson asked for the cost-of-living adjustment during his January State of the State address. He’s expected to sign the bill into law. The pay raises come as Missouri struggles to keep workers from bolting for better-paying and potentially less stressful jobs. Data provided to The Associated Press show nearly one-quarter of Missouri’s budgeted positions in the Department of Corrections were vacant as of late last year, for example.