The State Journal-Register reports that about 1,100 non-union workers whose bosses say they are doing exceptional work will each receive a $3,016 bonus under the plan. A total of between $3 million and $4 million in bonuses are being awarded.

Michael Hoffman is the acting director of the Department of Central Management Services. He says the last across-the-board salary increase for non-bargaining unit employees was in 2005, and the last merit pay program for them was in 2009.

Rauner’s office says an employee had to receive an “exceptional” rating on his or her evaluation to qualify.

The bonuses have already been issued to many of the workers who qualified for them.