Lawmakers approve 4.5 percent state worker raises

Rebounding state revenue bolstered by temporary tax increases recently approved by voters are paying off for California’s largest public employees’ union.

State lawmakers this week ratified a three-year agreement negotiated by Gov. Jerry Brown’s administration giving 4.5 percent pay raises to the 95,000 members of Service Employees International Union Local 1000 by July 1, 2015.

The union supported Brown’s successful drive last fall for a ballot initiative temporarily raising the statewide sales tax and income taxes on those making more than $250,000 a year.

Senate Democrats used their two-thirds majority this week to approve AB1377 on a 27-8 vote, sending it to Brown. They acted days after SEIU 1000 gave Brown’s 2014 re-election campaign committee $54,400.

Neither the union nor administration would comment on the timing of the contribution.