Deliberations Over Pay Raise Bill Begin in Conference Committee

On The Legislature Today, conferees from the Senate and House met for the first time Monday afternoon, following their appointment Saturday night to work out their differences in a salary bill for teachers, school personnel, and other state employees. We bring you an update from the eighth day of the work stoppage, the latest action from the House and Senate floors, and host Andrea Lannom chats with Bob Brown, a representative from the American Federation of Teachers – West Virginia chapter.

Over the weekend, the Senate agreed on a 4 percent pay raise for all state workers, but the House is still pushing for a 5 percent increase backed by Governor Jim Justice for teachers, school service personnel, and state troopers. Monday was day eight of the statewide teacher walkout. It has captured national attention, national press, and the teachers say they won’t go back to school until a 5 percent pay raise is secured. Thousands of teachers once again protested at the Capitol, several stopping lawmakers in hallways for often heated remarks. Videographer Russ Barbour talked to a couple of teachers who have spent several days there.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUR2WbZs5rg

The West Virginia Education Association, the American Federation of Teachers and the West Virginia School Service Personnel Association said in a joint statement this weekend they were “angry and disappointed.” Host Andrea Lannom is joined by Bob Brown of the AFT – West Virginia chapter to discuss this heated issue.

Also joining Lannom in this episode are West Virginia Public Broadcasting reporters Molly Born and Dave Mistich to talk about the latest rumblings from the statehouse.

Teacher pay raises and a fix for PEIA have been center stage, scores of other bills have been making their way through the process – while others have stalled. Reporter Liz McCormick updates us on more than a dozen significant bills that we’ve been following closely this session.

The Legislature Today is West Virginia’s source for daily legislative news and information. The only live television program covering the West Virginia Legislature, the broadcast features reports from the Senate, House and committee meetings with in-depth interviews and analysis of the legislative process in West Virginia.

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The Legislature Today can also be heard at 6 p.m. weeknights on WVPB’s statewide radio network.
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