Cowles-Caputo
Some House of Delegates Republicans are upset with the Democratic leadership for making a move that will keep a magistrate pay raise bill from going before the House Finance Committee.
The bill, which passed the House Judiciary Committee last Thursday, would give magistrates in 23 counties a nearly $6,000 raise. It was originally scheduled to go to the Finance Committee next but Democrats made a procedural move during last Friday’s floor session that eliminated the second reference and put the bill before the whole House. It will be up for final passage Wednesday.
Del. Daryl Cowles, R-MorganDuring Monday’s floor session House Minority Whip Del. Daryl Cowles, R-Morgan, admitted he should have objected.
“I was caught flat-footed,” Cowles told delegates. “It’s not against the rules but a clear diversion from longstanding traditions and practice in the House to ask to waive the second reference after such objection in the first committee.”
A fired-up House Majority Whip Del. Mike Caputo said don’t blame the Democrats for what happened.
“You missed it! You missed it! You could have objected. One person could have objected. We could have voted on it. We could have moved on. You missed it!”
Kanawha County Del. Patrick Lane says putting the pay raise bill on the fast track sends the wrong message to state residents.
“Our number-1 priority in this House of Delegates is pay raises for elected politicians in West Virginia,” Lane said. “Make no mistake that’s the vote that we took.”
Lane tried the unusual move Monday of trying to get the bill rejected on first reading. His attempt failed on a 53-42 vote.
Currently magistrates are paid based on the population of their counties. Magistrates in the 32 largest counties are paid $57,500 a year and those in the 23 smallest counties $51,125. Supporters say their caseloads may be different but they face many of the same issues when it comes to tough cases like domestic violence.
State Supreme Court Administrator Steve Canterbury told judiciary committee members last Thursday the Supreme Court endorses the salary change and can absorb it with the High Court’s budget. The price tag is nearly $740,000.
The bill passed the House last year but didn’t make it out of the Senate Finance Committee.
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Comments
justahick
Isn't it ironic that while other State employees, the "grunts" in the field if you will, such as DOH, DHHR and the like have gone year after year without no raise elected politicians are always put on a fast track for raises. Additionally, when they are given raises it is never the insulting 1 or 2% raises but THOUSANDS at a time. Very sad, very sad.
February 18, 2013 at 4:11 pm | Report comment
Smokey
I agree with you 100%.
February 18, 2013 at 7:14 pm | Report comment
Matt
Those poor magistrates and elected officials need that money to help pay for the rising cost of gas, food, and insurance.......its a good thing we(the average person) makes millions a year so those things dont affect us like it does them. LOL. They should make what the avg. state employee of 10 years makes!!!
February 19, 2013 at 7:49 am | Report comment
C.Hoffman
Somebody please ensure Del. Mike Caputo has a good supply of diapers - he may have messed himself. What childish behavior. Mikey it's about service to the citizens of West Virginia and ensuring the legislation serves all West Virginians in the most fiscally responsible way not just your special interests. Grow up! Here's your binky.
February 18, 2013 at 4:11 pm | Report comment
WVIRGINIAN FOR LIFE
This bull crap. I'm a Democrat. But no more after today. This good ole boy politics is over. Most magistrates are double dipping anyway. Many have retired from other jobs. If anyone deserves a raise it is the state police or teachers. Imntored of hearing the teachers whine since they are not accountable. But this is BS. Somebody please put a halt to this crap in Charleston.
February 18, 2013 at 5:03 pm | Report comment
Smokey
You can still be a Democrat, just don't vote that way because they are Democrat's. Thouroly research the candidate before voting, just watching the performace this year of your Representator will give you much information.
February 18, 2013 at 7:23 pm | Report comment
Tom Crouser
One could argue Republicans should have caught it, but the Democratic leadership was wrong to fast-track it in the first place. Why the rush?
February 18, 2013 at 5:55 pm | Report comment
Sam & Max
Very good point Tom!
February 20, 2013 at 8:45 pm | Report comment
Jim
What else but a tantrum would one expect from Caputo, a union official who is used to advocating giving away other people's money?
February 18, 2013 at 8:07 pm | Report comment
Teufel
Politicians taking care of their own, strange how politican's wealth continues to increase while the rest of us lose...
February 18, 2013 at 8:39 pm | Report comment
WVIRGINIAN FOR LIFE
Right on target! Well said.
February 18, 2013 at 9:46 pm | Report comment
Ron Short
When will we realize we don't need elected officials anymore. With today's technology all we need is someone to tally the publics vote on any measure and apply the results accordingly.
A senator or rep. Doesn't need any opinion on any issue. They are there to put the public's wishes into action. It should be simple. If the people in your district are for or against the Reps vote should reflect that.
February 18, 2013 at 9:21 pm | Report comment
WVIRGINIAN FOR LIFE
We need to make them understand that immediately. Couldn't have said it better.
February 18, 2013 at 9:47 pm | Report comment
WVIRGINIAN FOR LIFE
Smokey, you are absolutely correct. There is no way this should be happening this year!!!!
February 18, 2013 at 9:45 pm | Report comment
docbegone
I wonder if the Governor will sign this bill if it passes. After all, it was he who said there would be no pay raises this year.
Are magistrates more deserving of a pay raise than the other state employees? Should an exception be made for them?
February 19, 2013 at 1:50 pm | Report comment
Sam & Max
No they are not more deserving than any state employee! All magistrates make over $50,000 regardless of county. How many state employees make more than $50,000 and how many are below that amount? I am an active democrat and find this kind of politics repulsive!
February 20, 2013 at 8:53 pm | Report comment
JD
I am a state employee--DHHR. I have went many consecutive years without a pay raise. In the last four years I think I've received one raise at a whopping 2 or 3 percent. Not even a cost of living raise. However, each year my medical insurance goes up. The city I reside in is taking money out of my paycheck for "road improvements" and for "working in the city limits." ......WTF. Will the city pay for my busted rim for the lack of road improvement...I think not.
It is very tiring to see these elected officials continuing to pad their pockets. I can say the same thing for teachers year after year complaining of the lack of pay raises. Sit in my seat. I listen to these cry babies year after year threaten to strike if they do not get raises. Everyone is entitled to a raise. Those who receive them be grateful. Those who complain every year about not being satisfied with what they receive can kiss my (_/_)....
February 19, 2013 at 4:54 pm | Report comment
Sam & Max
I do not understand the need for this raise. All of the salaries are over $50,000 a year. How many state employees are over 50 and how many are under 50. I am an active democrat and I find this type of tactic totally repulsive!
February 20, 2013 at 8:49 pm | Report comment