RALEIGH, N.C, -- Thousands of the lowest-paid state employees would receive substantial salary increases in the North Carolina budget bill moving quickly through the General Assembly.

• Most state employees would get an average 2 percent raise.
• Troopers would receive 8 percent increase.
• Full budget is expected to be unveiled next week.

Republican budget-writers announced Thursday that rank-and-file workers in state agencies would receive 2 percent raises, with all full-time worker salaries reaching at least $31,200. Currently the salary floor is just over $24,300, so raises could approach 30 percent for those near the current minimum.

The State Employees Association of North Carolina described the proposal as creating a "living wage'' equating to $15 per hour. SEANC Executive Director Robert Broome says it would help those workers who haven't benefited much during the economic recovery. 

The budget is likely to be voted on by the House and Senate next week.