State government gives out raises in lean times

RALEIGH, NC (AP) – An analysis by a newspaper has found more than 2,600 North Carolina state employees received raises even though they kept the same job title.

The analysis by The News & Observer of Raleigh of salaries from June 2009 to June 2010 found most of the raises went to people who gained additional skills; moved from trainee to permanent staff; or are paid by the federal government.

The analysis found a smaller number are people who got more money because their duties expanded.

Meanwhile, a state study released Monday found more than 2,300 raises were awarded between April 1 and June 30. The report flagged 36 cases where raises weren’t justified.

The raises come as the state struggles financially. Gov. Beverly Perdue’s administration has told agencies to find ways to reduce spending by up to 15 percent next year.

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Information from: The News & Observer, http://www.newsobserver.com

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)