Lawmakers study COLA options for teachers and police

Summary#

HCR-34 is an introduced House concurrent resolution; it would not change compensation law or grant cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs). If adopted, it would request that the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study COLA options for public school teachers, school service personnel, and West Virginia State Police members, and report to the 2027 regular legislative session. Its stated goal is to assess whether COLAs are feasible and what they might cost and involve.

  • The committee is asked to compare percentage-based, fixed-dollar, and other possible adjustments.
  • The study is asked to examine how COLAs could fit with current compensation structures, their possible effects on recruitment and retention, and administrative or policy issues.
  • The committee is asked to provide findings, conclusions, recommendations, and drafts of any legislation needed to carry out its recommendations.
  • The resolution says expenses for the study, report, and draft legislation are to be paid from legislative appropriations to the committee.

What it means for you#

  • Teachers, school service personnel, and State Police members: The resolution would not raise pay or guarantee a future raise. It asks for a study of possible adjustments.
  • Taxpayers: The resolution provides for study expenses to be paid from legislative appropriations, but does not set an amount.
  • The public: The committee is asked to report during the 2027 regular session. The resolution is introduced and has not yet been adopted.

Money#

No cost estimate is in the available material; the resolution says study expenses are to be paid from legislative appropriations to the committee.

  • It does not appropriate a stated amount or authorize COLA payments.
  • It asks the study to estimate the costs of possible adjustments over time and consider possible funding.

What is unclear#

  • The resolution does not set the study’s methods, detailed scope, or how the committee should assess possible COLA amounts.
  • It does not specify how affected workers or their representatives would be involved.
  • It does not identify a funding source for any future COLAs.
  • The bill materials do not include current compensation rules, so the study’s possible interaction with existing pay structures cannot be assessed here.
  • Adoption is uncertain because HCR-34 is introduced, not adopted.

Case for#

  • A study could give lawmakers cost estimates before they consider changing pay.
  • Comparing different adjustment methods could show how options might affect the three groups differently.
  • Examining existing compensation structures, recruitment, and retention could help identify practical issues before any legislation is proposed.

Case against#

  • The resolution does not itself improve pay, even if the study finds a need for COLAs.
  • It directs study expenses to legislative appropriations without estimating those expenses.
  • The study’s scope and methods are not specified, so the resolution does not ensure how detailed or useful its recommendations will be.