The WVTA Legislative Program Keeps Getting Stronger Every Session

February 4, 2005

By: Elaine Harris, CWA Representative

WVTA members on Trooper Show-up Day in the well of the Seanate. CWA Representatie Elaine Harris (2nd from right) President Joe Adams (5th from right)

As the dust settles from the 2004 Regular Session, it is clear that West Virginia Troopers Associations (WVTA) continues to gain political strength and respect among members of the West Virginia Legislature. A bill of major importance to the WVTA was passed and signed into law by Governor Wise to become effective July 1, 2004 – the political activity bill lifts the restrictions on Troopers out of uniform so that that they can now be politically active beyond just casting their vote in elections. This law is especially significant because Troopers can now become active in state legislative campaigns that are important to them and that affect the elected officials who have the greatest control over their economic and working conditions.

Two other significant bills on the WVTA's legislative agenda that passed were the lifetime concealed weapons permits for retired Troopers passed and the Career Progression Bill. While no other West Virginia state employees received any pay increases from the Legislature, the WVTA was able to move and pass a bill that gave the classifications of Trooper One at 6 years and Corporal at 9 years increases of $2,200. This increase will affect 130 troopers immediately, and another 300 troopers over the next 3 years. This increase will go a long way toward stemming the serious retention problem that has plagued the State Police in recent years.

One of the biggest issues of concern to the WVTA is changing the Plan B retirement system that is in place for troopers with less years of service by reducing the minimum retirement age from 55 to 50. This bill was supported by Governor Bob Wise, and backed by key leadership in both the House and Senate. The bill moved smoothly through the House and would have made it through the Senate except for some collateral issues at the end of the session that wound up waylaying the bill. This important benefit for state troopers has an excellent change for passage in next year's session.

One of the notable events during the Legislative session was Troopers Show Up Day on February 24th. It was quite impressive when WVTA/Local 2019 Officers and Executive Board, Troopers, their wives and children joined with many other CWA Local Officers and members who also came to the Capitol in support of the WVTA. There was literally a "sea of red" as all the participants wore red shirts as they pushed our Legislative agenda.

There was a tremendous amount of effort given by WVTA President Joe Adams, all the Executive Board members, and Office Manager Terry Campbell. There were also many WVTA members, their spouses and family members who contributed to our successful session by contacting their representatives and taking an interest throughout the session in developments at the Legislature.