Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback and legislative leaders have taken a formal step needed to give a promised $250 bonus to full-time state government workers in December.

Brownback and eight top lawmakers on Thursday approved the distribution of $4.5 million in state funds to various agencies for the bonuses.

Legislators included the bonuses in the budget for the fiscal year beginning in July, and Brownback signed the spending plan into law. But the bonus provision required another look from the governor and legislative leaders.

The proposal had bipartisan support, and Brownback said in a statement that he’s pleased the bonuses are coming.

But Senate Minority Leader and Topeka Democrat Anthony Hensley said he thinks state workers will be insulted because the bonuses are so small and are not a pay raise.