Gov. Justice proposes raise, bonus for state employees

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) - West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice, together with legislative leaders, proposed a 5 percent pay raise for state employees, along with an additional one-time bonus of 2.5 percent.

The governor announced both measures during a Thursday morning virtual press conference with House Speaker Roger Hanshaw and Senate President Craig Blair.

The Republican governor cited the courageous work of state employees and the difficulties many face with inflation in justifying the additional pay. He also credited state’s financial position in making the proposal possible. However, he did not give specifics on how the salary increase and supplement will be paid for.

“There’s been so much good that’s happened, a lot of great work that these people have done,” Justice said. “We want to try to help them while we can help.”

The governor estimates the raise and bonus will cost taxpayers about $160 million.

The one-time bonus will provide an employee making $40,000 a year with an extra $1,000. Justice hopes it will ease concerns related to rising prices experienced during Thanksgiving and Christmas.

“We’re going to call it an inflato, an inflatocine that basically is just an inflation vaccine,” Justice said.

Both measures will have to be passed by the Legislature when lawmakers return in January.

Senate President Craig Blair, R-Berkeley, said he is confident both measures will pass the Legislature without issue.

House Speaker Roger Hanshaw, R-Clay, shared similar optimism, and he specifically mentioned how it could help educators and Child Protective Service workers.

“We are particularly sensitive here in the House to some of our state jobs that have really high turnover rates, and some of our state employees who do jobs that are just particularly stressful and that have been made more so by the pandemic,” Hanshaw said.

The Speaker said some questions remain with regards to the bonus payment. Specifically, with the precise level of support that it has in the House and the manner for which it will be structured. With that said, such bonuses have been paid in the past and he did not express significant doubt.

The governor said he hopes to have checks in the mail for early next year.

The following statements were released following Thursday’s announcement:

Senate President Blair: “Our state employees have been a major part of helping us rebuild West Virginia’s economy. Without their dedication, especially throughout the last two years, there is no way our state would be seeing the kind of growth, prosperity, and success that we have. Through every department and agency, in every school, in every area of West Virginia, our state employees have worked together under unprecedented and challenging circumstances to get the job done. Because of their work, we have all seen the benefit. On behalf of the Senate, I thank each and every one of you. Great things will continue to come our way as long as we all work together as partners to make West Virginia great. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all.”

Speaker Hanshaw: “The majority of members of the West Virginia House of Delegates have indicated to me this week they would support a 5% pay raise for all state employees.

“We have much to be proud of and to celebrate here in our Mountain State, but we also must recognize our challenges. We all understand the important work our public employees do and have faithfully executed in the face of extraordinarily stressful circumstances.

“I appreciate the governor starting early in discussing ideas for the 2022 regular legislative session, and our members look forward to debating other proposals once we convene next month.”

Minority Leader Stephen Baldwin, D-Greenbrier, and House Minority Leader Doug Skaff, D-Kanawha: “We are grateful that the Governor has secured the support of the Legislature to give all state employees, including state troopers, teachers and school service personnel, a pay raise. We, as a state, must take care of our own. We must put West Virginia families- and West Virginia workers- first. Democrats have stood with state employees, troopers, teachers and school service personnel to fight for past raises, and we are thankful that the Governor continues to see the importance of the work these West Virginians do every day.

“We know that the massive influx of federal funds, largely thanks to Senator Joe Manchin and his Democratic colleagues, has enabled our state to be in the strong financial situation that we are in. We look forward to passing legislation next session to improve the pay for thousands of workers across our state. We hope that these salary discussions are expanded to include much needed cost-of-living adjustments for retirees.

“It is important that we show our state employees, troopers, teachers and school service personnel that we value them and the work that they do. These raises are a good step to help build a better West Virginia and to encourage West Virginians stay here, rebuild here and succeed here.”

Senate Finance Chair Eric Tarr, R-Putnam: “Today, I was proud to hear the Governor announce his plan to provide a 5 percent pay raise and additional one-time 2.5 percent payment to all state employees — including state police, teachers, and school service personnel. Our dedicated public employees are critical to our success as a state, and we are grateful for their service.

“Make no mistake: This raise was possible only because of our state’s strong financial footing as a result of Republican-led conservative fiscal control of spending and increasing revenue collections. The increased purchase of commercial goods as a result of West Virginia’s growing economy combined with consecutive flat-line budgets have provided us with the luxury of a very healthy surplus that we are able to use to improve the household financial security of our very dedicated state employees. This 5 percent pay raise is not a product of federal handouts nor any Washington, D.C. politician.

“This will be the third time public employees have received a pay raise since 2018. In 2015, when the Republican majority took over in the Legislature, we faced record deficits. The responsible control of the state’s spending paired with policies that spur economic development since 2015 have created the ability for the Legislature to provide a total of 15 percent in raises since 2018.

“I look forward to working with the Governor and the House of Delegates to pass these much-deserved pay raises during the upcoming session.”