UPDATE: West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey has just announced a proposed 3% pay raise for state employees, including teachers, during his State of the State address in Charleston. This urgent initiative aims to address inflation and enhance the financial wellbeing of public workers.
Governor Morrisey emphasized that the proposal is essential for keeping pace with rising living costs and balancing health insurance expenses. “They worked hard, and we want to keep up with inflation and the standard of living,” he stated in an interview with WV News earlier today. This move comes on the heels of his commitment made in December 2023 to support state employees through improved compensation.
The governor revealed that the 3% increase will also coincide with efforts to limit premium hikes in the Public Employees Insurance Agency (PEIA). “You didn’t see a 10% increase in PEIA. You saw a 3% increase in PEIA,” he added, ensuring that the financial impact would be beneficial for state workers.
While acknowledging that the raise is modest, Morrisey stressed the importance of balancing competing budget demands. “You try to make sure that you’re balancing competing priorities well,” he noted. He also highlighted the significance of a proposed 10% income tax cut, which he believes will provide additional financial relief for state employees. “You’re giving state workers 3% with one hand and with the other hand, you’re giving them a 10% tax cut,” Morrisey explained. “That’s a really powerful amount of new resources that they have available.”
The average starting salary for teachers in West Virginia is currently $42,708, ranking 37th nationally, while the average teacher salary stands at $55,516, placing the state 48th in the country according to the National Education Association. This proposed raise could provide much-needed support for educators struggling to make ends meet.
As the legislative session progresses, state lawmakers are being urged to act swiftly on this proposal. Morrisey’s administration is keen to see these changes implemented as quickly as possible, emphasizing the immediate impact on workers’ lives.
WHAT’S NEXT: With the legislative session underway, all eyes will be on lawmakers as they consider the governor’s proposals. The outcome could significantly affect the financial landscape for public employees in West Virginia. Share this update to keep others informed about this critical development affecting state workers.
