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Gov. Greg Gianforte signed the bill that implements the state's 2024-2025 employee pay plan this week, authorizing raises and bonuses for the state workforce over the next two years.

The pay plan calls for either $1.50-an-hour or 4% raises, whichever is greater, for state and Montana University System employees this year and next, effective July 1 of each year. Employees will also receive a one-time bonus, $1,040 for full-time workers and lesser amounts for part-time workers.

The plan also raises the state's per-diem meal rates by 10% and holds employee out-of-pocket health benefit contribu...