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MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The start of the West Virginia Legislature’s regular session is almost three weeks away, and lawmakers are already discussing one proposal to provide state workers with higher salaries.
Gov. Jim Justice and legislative leaders last week announced a 5% pay raise for all public employees in addition to a 2.5% one-time bonus related to inflation.
Delegate Ben Queen, R-Harrison, said he welcomed pay increases as an award to state workers who had to adjust their work habits because of the coronavirus pandemic.
“COVID has taught us we are not as prepared as much as we should be,” he told MetroNews affiliate WAJR-AM. “We don’t want people to run away from their jobs, and I think this is an appropriate time for a pay raise.”
Delegate John Williams, D-Monongalia, said the announced changes are a step in the right direction, but the raises are modest compared to rising consumer costs.
“The real challenge as we look forward when you consider buying power has decreased year-over-year every year, 5% isn’t much of a catch-up,” he added.
Consumer prices have increased by 6.8% since November 2020, the largest 12-month increase since 1982.
“Tie pay raises to the Consumer Price Index so we don’t have to wait on these announcements,” Williams said, “so we don’t have to wait on the will of the legislature to take action.”
Queen said he is confident a deal can be reached during the legislative session, noting the state’s nearly $400 million surplus.
“I think about $150 million of that going to a pay raise. I think it is a good thing to do,” he said.