The following statements have been provided to media on behalf of House Speaker Roger Hanshaw and Senate President Craig Blair, regarding the 5% salary increase approved for West Virginia’s teachers:
“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.” Hanshaw said. “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.”
Blair echoed the sentiment, saying, “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.”
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