The House of Representatives approved a four-year package of raises Thursday that includes $3,500 in bonuses later this spring and summer for about 46,000 unionized state employees.

The Democrat-controlled House voted 96-52 to approve the contracts, following a four-hour debate during which Republicans insisted the compensation far outstrips what private-sector workers are receiving, or what taxpayers can afford.

The vote was almost entirely along party lines, with all Democrats casting ballots for the deal and only one Republican, Thomas Delnicki of South Windsor, supporting it.

The contracts, which Gov. Ned Lamont says are essential to help stem a surge in state employee retirements, are expected to be ratified Friday by the Senate, where Democrats also hold a majority.

“The state of Connecticut is in the best financial condition that I can recall, being up here 10 years,” said Rep. Michael D’Agostino, D-Hamden, who led the debate in favor of the raises.

State government not only enjoys a $3.1 billion rainy day fund, equal to 15% of annual operating costs — the maximum allowed by law — but the current fiscal year is on pace to close an unprecedented $4 billion in the black.

The agreements, which unions ratified earlier this spring, are retroactive to the start of this fiscal year, which began last July 1. They also cover the next two fiscal years and potentially 2024-25 as well.

Each year includes a 2.5% general wage increase, as well as a step hike for all but the most...

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