GovCentral

I believe you're correct. I work for the State of West Virginia, one of the three lowest-paying states in the nation. It doesn't help that the state government is the largest employer in West Virginia. Everyone knows that if you work for the State, you get really good benefits and lots of time off, but the money is very low. That's quite true. I took a one-third pay cut to get the job I have. November will mark my third anniversary. I think I've gotten a 2% raise this year because it was negotiated for all state employees.

It does seem that states with more funds, higher tax bases would be able to higher pay. This comment would probably fit better in the "scandals" discussion, but here in WV, each newly elected legislature votes itself a pay raise early in the session. Even though they only meet a few weeks out of the year, perhaps a quarter, they want annual pay amount to be similar to all the other state legislatures, who probably work more weeks in the year. Their theory is that it will attract better people to run for the office. The result is that whoever we voters elect ends up someone who gets the raise, whether they vote for it or not.

I'll now step down from the soapbox. Thanks.