Lawmakers approve pay increase for state troopers

March 9, 2016

It's believed that the State Patrol is losing as many as nine troopers per month.  Many of them are looking for more pay.  Others are retiring.  Some say they want better management.  Now, lawmakers in Olympia have taken action, hoping to reverse the on-going tide of losses.  Ruth Johnson reports from Olympia.

Johnson:  Legislators on both sides of the aisle agree: something must be done to retain and attract troopers. The numbers are down: from 690 to 580.  Today House lawmakers put final approval on an additional five percent pay hike.  Some who voted yes were hesitant.

Hayes: “I am not reluctant because of the pay that it dedicates to our state troopers, that five percent.  I am reluctant because I don't think it's enough to stop the bleeding.”

Johnson: Representative Dave Hayes, a Republican from Camano Island.  The five percent pay hike OKd by the House and Senate comes on top of a three percent salary increase troopers will receive this year, courtesy of collective bargaining.  House bill 2872 makes it clear that the State Patrol must have a plan to change the working environment even as wages go up…if it plans on competing with other large agencies across the state.

Ruth Johnson, Olympia.