Bill Ratifying State Worker Pacts On Way To Dayton

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — A bill endorsing a set of state employee contracts is bound for Gov. Mark Dayton.

The House voted 84-48 on Monday to ratify agreements negotiated last year. They apply to some 38,000 workers. The agreements covering several unions and managerial units include raises of three percent or more and shift some health costs to workers.

Supportive lawmakers argued they make up for years of mostly stagnant pay. Some employees could get even bigger bumps if they are beneath they aren't at top scale for their position.

The vote was bipartisan, but some Republicans cast the deals as a giveaway to employee unions.

Final legislative ratification came on the eve of a Capitol rally by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 5.

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