Lottery staff to get 5 percent raises

Employees of the state lottery will get 5 percent raises.

That is more than double the 1.5 percent raise — and one-time cash bonus — that other state employees are likely to get in the budget, and lottery officials plan to spend $45,000 to study salaries at other lotteries.

Officials are unapologetic.

"They can come apply for jobs at the lottery if they think we're getting more than them," said Tom Shaheen, the lottery's executive director.

The lottery's 225 employees are paid from ticket sales, not tax revenues. The raises don't be across the board, so some employees will get more than 5 percent and some less. Lottery workers are also not eligible for pay for extra years of service.

Shaheen said the raises are necessary to keep good workers in place. (N&O)