ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Tens of thousands of state employees will soon get a 2 percent raise.

The House Thursday approved a new contract for state workers, which includes the first raise in more than 3 years. It passed the Democratic-controlled House by an 83-44 vote.

It now heads to Gov. Mark Dayton, who is expected to sign it. The Senate, also controlled by Democrats, ratified the contract last week.

The contract covers about 35,000 employees from seven different working groups, including the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 5 and the Minnesota Association of Professional Employees.

The new deal will expire June 30. Dayton says he will push to include same-sex domestic partnership benefits in the next contract.

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