CAN’T WE ALL JUST GET ALONG?

Recently, the legislature passed out two pieces of legislation that dealt with two groups that are at times at odds against each other, but yet a symbiotic relationship exists. As a result of this very relationship, one group cannot exist without the other and so begins the debate. Should the legislature challenge pay raise legislation? Should lobbying groups’ challenge and ultimately oppose another organization’s pay raise effort?

Both questions have been long debated in the hallways and around the cafeteria tables for more years than we can count. As such, each year legislation is proposed by either the Governor or legislative members dealing with pay raises and each year e-mails are plentiful opposing someone else’s pay raise, proclaiming a particular person or a group is undeserving of a pay raise. But, the debate does not end there. It actually spills over into other areas regarding pay raises: including increases for state employees, county officials, and Governor appointees. It has always been the intent of the legislature to act responsibly on behalf of all state employees with regards to the state budget and pay raises. So in lies the confusion with legislative members, because at times when we attempt to act in a manner respective of groups that cannot receive pay raises except through legislative action, we still take it on the chin and are met with opposition.

Allow me pose this question. Why would any group or individual whom has received as many as one, two, or even four pay increases over the past six years oppose another group’s opportunity for economic advancement? Why would any individual in the private sector oppose a pay raise for a state employee whom has no other recourse? I guess all of us can recall a time when someone around us received a pay raise at a time when we may have thought it to be unfounded, but did we actually express this opinion to the person who was closest to the situation and most familiar with the surrounding circumstances.

So the question remains, should outside interest reflect the outcome of another parties pay raise? Are the reasons of those expressing opposition reflect sincerity, jealousy, or simply an overall disgruntled opinion of the legislative process.

I think at this point it is important to remember that a legislative body sits as representatives of all West Virginian’s and should act in a manner that is responsible to all. I ,among many Legislators believe it would be irresponsible and a potential slippery slope to oppose any pay raise package regardless of the recipient.