CHARLESTON, W. Va.–Gov. Jim Justice is supporting for a 5 percent pay raise for state employees, with hopes for approval in next month’s regular legislative session.
“In the up and coming session, we are going to join hands together. We are going to do an additional 5 percent pay raise for all state employees,” Justice said during a livestreamed announcement this morning with Senate President Craig Blair and House Speaker Roger Hanshaw.
The governor also announced support for a one-time bonus for state employees, describing it as an average 2.5 percent amount. The governor tied it to the ongoing economic struggle with inflation.
“Basically, it is an inflation vaccine,” he said. “We’re going to do as a one-time supplement to help them get through the situations they’re in today.”
The governor later expressed satisfaction in a word invented to describe that: “I absolutely am really proud of my Inflatocine.”
Speaking on MetroNews’ “Talkline,” Justice said “I’m very, very hopeful the bonus will be paid out immediately.”
During that “Talkline” appearance, the governor provided an estimated overall cost of $160 million to $170 million. He suggested the money would come from general revenue.
It has been a couple of years since state employees received a pay raise. State employees and school teachers did receive pay raises in 2018 and 2019.
Blair, R-Berkeley, addressed state workers directly. “You didn’t have to ask for this pay raise. Keep doing the job you’re doing.”
“Help us do a better job for the state of West Virginia, and there will be more of this in the future.”
Blair described significant support in the Senate for a raise. “I’m confident we’ll have no problems getting this through the Legislature and getting it done and recognizing our employees.”
Hanshaw, R-Clay, also expressed support for raises, noting areas where the state has been challenged to retain employees such as corrections officers or child protective services workers.
“We’re happy to be able to indicate the House indicates support for the 5 percent pay raises for public employees and our school teachers,” he said.