Senate adds self to pay raise roster

Folks are sure to howl after the Senate Finance Committee revived a proposed legislative pay raise Thursday, then convinced enough fellow senators to suspend the rules necessary for the bill's immediate passage to the House.

Senate Finance Chairman Walt Helmick, D-Pocahontas, has remained steadfast all session in support of the January recommendations of the Citizens Legislative Compensation Commission.

The Associated Press places Thursday's gambit within the context of the other raises being sought this session.

MetroNews hears from senators for and against the eleventh hour bid, while Hoppy Kercheval questions its timing while also providing context in his column today.

Other media pounced on the story, including The Charleston Gazette, The Register-Herald of Beckley and The Journal of Martinsburg.

I also tried to provide a national perspective to how a pay raise would change the Legislature's salary rankings earlier this session.