Topeka ? Gov. Kathleen Sebelius’ decision to give thousands of classified state employees an extra day off today isn’t coming cheap.

Sebelius’ executive order declaring the day a holiday to extend the Independence Day weekend will cost about $519,000, according to her spokeswoman, Megan Ingmire. That’s because some employees will have to work despite the order and will be paid premium holiday pay.

The calculation was tallied from the actual cost of differential compensation paid to employees on Christmas last year, but adjusted to account for a 1.5 percent pay raise last month.

State workers across Kansas are likely applauding the move; Sebelius called it a tribute to their hard work.

“State employees should be proud of the work they do on behalf of the people of Kansas,” the governor said. “This will allow you more time to spend with family and friends.”

It’s not the first time Sebelius has given state employees an extra day off. She declared June 11, 2004, a legal holiday in Kansas to observe a day of mourning for former President Reagan.

Neighboring states weren’t as generous this weekend.

Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt did not declare today a holiday, but last year he followed a 45-year-old state tradition and gave employees the day after Thanksgiving off.

Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry also has workers reporting to the office today. But his spokesman, Paul Sund, said he expected work to be minimal.

Sebelius wasn’t the nation’s only governor giving employees a four-day weekend.

Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Blanco designated today a state holiday, saying “a day of rest” was appropriate. And Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine also gave state workers an extra day off.

Some of Sebelius’ predecessors have made similar decisions. Gov. Bill Graves let some executive branch employees go at noon on Christmas Eve in 1998. And Gov. Joan Finney made July 5, 1991, a state holiday in honor of Kansas troops who served in Operation Desert Storm.