‘Largest-Ever’ investment in public safety in southeastern U.S. history’ is what Governor Ralph Northam has announced. It was in his final two-year budget proposal on Tuesday in a Southeastern state.

‘Largest-Ever” Investment – Growing Staff Shortages and More

Presented to lawmakers next week is the plan. That is going to include pay increases for Virginia state troops. Plus correctional officers, deputy sheriffs, and regional jail officers. Therefore, it will come as public safety agencies do raise concerns over the growing staff shortages. Also increasing mandatory overtime, and declining morale.

Public Safety Agenices

“The past couple of years have been challenging for our public safety agencies. In fact, the public debate is over-policing which has been difficult,” Northam said.

“Plus, in order to attract the best people and then to also retain them, you will really have to be able to compensate them. Right now, we live in a very competitive world,” Northam added in an interview.

‘Largest-Ever’ Public Safety Investment: Budget 2022 Legislative Session

The budget during the 2022 legislative session which the General Assembly and Governor-elect Glenn Youngkin do have the final say over it. Regarding Northam’s specific proposals, Youngkin’s spokesperson has declined to comment. However, they have noted that the Governor-elect ran on a fully funding law enforcement.

Pay Raise and Starting Salary

The newly-sworn state troopers, under Northam’s plan, will receive a 7.7% pay raise. For new correction, officers are the starting salary would be increasing by 25%. In fact, the average entry-level salary for deputy sheriffs and regional jail officials would, in fact, go up by roughly 20%.

There is going to be significant funding that will be including in the budget. It will “address pay compression and provide more raises to a range of targeted officers and sworn personnel.” This is to ensure the higher-ranking staff, Northam said, with more experience. They can look forward to raises throughout their careers.

To fix existing salary disparities, Northam said some public safety agencies are seeing higher raises.