Gov. Mike Braun informed state employees Monday they will receive a one-time bonus in their July 29 paycheck.
But they won’t receive an ongoing pay raise even though state tax revenue collections have been strong.
“Since taking office, I have directed my cabinet secretaries and agency leadership teams to review operations, identify efficiencies, reduce unnecessary costs, and run state government with a more business-minded approach,” Braun said in an email to employees.
“Thanks to those efforts, we are now seeing meaningful results, and I want you to share in that progress. Our stronger fiscal discipline and better management across state government has enabled my administration to provide a one-time bonus to eligible state employees recognizing your hard work and contributions.”
Executive branch employees will receive up to $2,500 depending on their time of service. It will cost state coffers about $80 million.
Others will be paid as follows:
- Hired before Jan. 13, 2025 (when Braun took office) — $2,500
- Hired between Jan. 14, 2025 and July 1, 2025 — $2,000
- Hired between July 2, 2025 and Dec. 31, 2025 — $1,000
- Hired during 2026 — nothing
Part-time employees will receive half of what full-time employees get.
Former Gov. Eric Holcomb gave a similar bonus in 2024.
The contingency fund that usually covers salary adjustments was reduced by 90% in the current state budget.
After the budget was implemented in July 2025, a new revenue forecast showed the state could take in more money and accumulate nearby $5 billion in surplus by mid-2027.
The annual closeout for the fiscal year that ended June 30 is scheduled for Wednesday.
Indiana as of Monday had 30,756 state employees — down from 32,100 in January 2025 when Braun took office.
Indiana Capital Chronicle is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Indiana Capital Chronicle maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Niki Kelly for questions: info@indianacapitalchronicle.com.
