Keith M. Phaneuf / CT Mirror

The Senate gave final approval Friday to a four-year package of raises for state employees that includes $3,500 in bonuses to help stem a surge in worker retirements.

The House of Representatives approved a four-year package of raises Thursday that includes $3,500 in bonuses later this spring and summer for about 46,000 unionized state employees.

One day after Gov. Ned Lamont disclosed Connecticut’s projected fiscal reserves exceed $7 billion, Republican lawmakers unveiled a $1.2 billion tax relief plan, including what would be the first income tax rate reduction in 27 years.

Single-year surplus is almost $900 million larger than entire budget reserve

Top legislative leaders announced Tuesday they expect to wrap voting on a major new package of raises and bonuses for state employees by week’s end.

The legislature’s Appropriations Committee endorsed significant raises and $3,500 in bonuses Monday for about 46,000 unionized state employees.The increases, part of a four-year package negotiated by Gov. Ned Lamont’s administration and already ratified by the 35 bargaining units involved, now heads to the full General Assembly for final consideration.

The General Assembly’s Appropriations Committee is bracing for an intense public hearing Monday as it gathers opinions on proposed state employee bonuses and raises that could cost Connecticut nearly $1.9 billion between now and 2025.The hearing, scheduled to begin at 10 a.m., will be streamed live on The Connecticut Network and on the committee’s YouTube channel.

More than 400 doctors, physician assistants, nurses and other health care providers signed a letter urging legislative leaders and Gov. Lamont to expand Medicaid to all low-income residents, regardless of immigration status.

GOP: Raises Lamont negotiated exceed value of tax cuts for CT households

Activists trying to open Connecticut’s municipal beaches to non-residents have been caught for years in a game of rock-paper-scissors.