CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — The West Virginia House has passed legislation to raise the pay of public school teachers and service personnel and state troopers by 2 percent in the fiscal year starting July 1.
The bill, approved 98-1 on Tuesday, would raise their pay 1 percent the following year. Teachers’ pay would increase another 1 percent annually for two additional years.
Finance Committee Chairman Eric Nelson says the cost is $24 million for one year and $65 million over four.
Several minority Democrats say it’s too little and shows the majority Republicans’ wrong priorities.
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Minority Leader Tim Miley says they won’t support Republican efforts to cut industry inventory taxes.
Republican legislators say they’re constrained by available funds this year and need to take steps to keep West Virginia’s economy improving.