LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has announced several pay increases for state employees "meeting and exceeding expectations", as per the most recent performance evaluations.
In a letter to Arkansas State Employees, Gov. Sanders addressed compensation for state employees following a review process put in place several months ago.
This is all based on a performance review system that has five categories:
- Unacceptable
- Needs improvement
- Solid performer
- Highly effective
- Role model
A one-time, 3% increase to all Arkansas executive branch state employee’s pay was approved and will go into effect June 23.
Additionally, Gov. Sanders authorized a 1% base salary increase for those who met expectations and a 3% base salary increase for those whom exceeded expectations.
However, 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, 2024.
The full letter Gov. Sanders sent to Arkansas State Employees can be read below:
Dear Arkansas State Employees:
Arkansas’ state government runs on you, our state employees. As my administration works to provide exceptional services to the people of Arkansas at a lower cost, we are relying on you to deliver. In the past 18 months, you have facilitated bold changes to state government, and I am incredibly appreciative of your work.
As recognition for your accomplishments – and as an acknowledgment of our need to recruit and retain talented public servants – I worked with the legislature to make a one-time, 3% increase to all Arkansas executive branch state employee’s pay. I am authorizing that adjustment to go into effect on June 23.
I am also excited to announce a pay increase for state employees who are meeting and exceeding expectations, as shown in our most recent performance evaluations. I am authorizing a 1% base salary increase for those who met expectations and a 3% base salary increase for those whom 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, 2024.
We all recognize that our state’s current pay plan is imperfect, which is why I launched the Arkansas Forward initiative and plan to approach the 2025 legislative session with an overhauled pay plan that better rewards performance and keeps us competitive in employee compensation. In the meantime, the pay increases announced are recognition for your past year of hard work.
Thank you for your service to our state and your continued dedication to the people of Arkansas.
Sincerely,
Sarah Huckabee Sanders
Governor of Arkansas