Do you think state employees should receive 4.5% raises?

Last week, Gov. Ned Lamont expressed optimism about reaching new wage agreements, including raises, with all state employee unions.

The news came as 35 bargaining units remained under expired contracts, most seeking similar pay increases to those already granted to state police troopers: a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment plus a step increase of about 2%.

Though the state has earmarked more than $100 million for raises, disagreements remain on how to allocate it, with some unions heading to arbitration after being offered one-time lump sum payments instead of permanent raises.