Associated Press Published

Justice Confirms Teacher Insurance Terms Won't Change Soon


Gov. Jim Justice confirms teachers and other West Virginia public employees will see their health insurance coverage unchanged for the next 17 months with his administration finding another $29 million to support the cost.

Speaking Thursday at the Capitol, flanked by House Speaker Tim Armstead and Senate President Mitch Carmichael, Justice says they will use that time to try to find ways to support future costs.

Teachers have protested low pay, small proposed raises and insurance rate hikes expected starting July 1.

Justice says it’s prudent right now to stay with his proposal to guarantee teachers 1 percent raises each of the next five years, more later if the state economy keeps improving.

Armstead says House members believe they can sustain 2 percent teacher raises the first year.