Sanders Announces Merit Pay Increases for State Employees

Dear Arkansas State Employees:
 
You are the engine that keeps Arkansas state government running. My administration has tasked you with improving services for the people of Arkansas while saving money, and over the past year, you have stepped up and delivered. I am grateful for your hard work. 
 
 In recognition of your efforts, I am announcing a pay increase for state employees who met or exceeded expectations over the past year, as shown in your most recent performance evaluations. I am authorizing a 1% base salary increase for those who received a 3 on their evaluation – met expectations – and a 3% base salary increase for those who received a 4 on their evaluation – exceeded expectations. These raises will only apply to state employees who have worked in the executive branch for at least a year, and who have worked at their current executive department since January 2, 2025.
 
 Additionally, I know many of you were excited to see Act 499 pass during the 2025 legislative session. That legislation authorized a new pay plan that will go into effect on July 1 of this year, raising the pay of two-thirds of executive branch employees up to market standards and offering double-digit pay increases to some of our most in-demand personnel, including corrections officers, state troopers, and DCFS caseworkers. 
 
 Rewarding good work goes hand-in-hand with delivering better results for the people of Arkansas. Thank you for your service to our state and your continued dedication to your career in public service.

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Sarah Huckabee Sanders
Governor of Arkansas