We all say we support law enforcement and back the blue.
Now it’s time we put our money where our heart is. I’m proud to help lead the fight in the Legislature to bring at least a $10,000 annual raise to our West Virginia State Troopers.
Of course, all of our first responders deserve more, but we can start with the approximately 550 individuals that make up our marquee law enforcement agency.
We are at the point we must.
With West Virginia trooper salaries running approximately $20,000 below neighboring states, we are running critically short.
Efforts to just do “locality pay increases” for a few Eastern Panhandle counties will create more problems than it solves.
The sentiment among my colleagues in the House of Delegates is that we can and must find the approximately $6 million to fund all of our men and women.
There is talk that if the House finds the funding, that the Senate won’t go for it.
I would hope that isn’t the case, but if so, then shame on them.
I’m confident we can find the funding needed.
West Virginia is running $800 million surplusses. The Governor has asked for 5% across the board raises for state employees. We have passed bills for 10% income tax reductions. We have dedicated millions toward economic development.
Each of these are great things.
However, I beg to say our citizens would all stand aside and place our state troopers first in line.
These are our best of the best. This is whom we ultimately call on when the chips are down. It’s who we’re all grateful to see pull up when we’re stranded on the highway or in duress.
$10,000 is only part way, but it’s a major step forward to doing the right thing by our most important law enforcement agency.
I trust everyone will join me in helping make this happen before the end of this session.
Please contact your representative and let them know you place our Troopers first.
