Pay hikes for Colo. workers set in after recession

Colorado government employees will see their first pay increases in four years when they get their latest paychecks. It’s a sign that the state is continuing its economic recovery after the recession.

Lawmakers approved a 2 percent pay raise for state employees when they passed the budget this spring. The raises went into effect July 1, and state workers will see the pay increase reflected in their end-of-the-month paycheck Wednesday. Lawmakers also budgeted for merit raises.

The state’s largest public employees union, Colorado WINS, says the increase was overdue and that the workers will have more money to spend on everyday items in their local communities.

An annual survey measuring how state salaries compare to the private sector is out Thursday. Some Republicans have questioned the survey’s effectiveness.