Table Games, Teacher Pay Still Making Noise

With both of West Virginia's teacher groups holding actions today over the pay raise proposal, and with critics continuing to target the table games bill, these two key issues from the 2007 session continue to grab attention even though they have cleared the Legislature.

Lawmakers completed their work on the 3.5 percent pay hike bill on Friday, as The Associated Press reports. Gov. Joe Manchin said he expects to sign the measure.

The administration has even issued figures touting how it boosts increases already slated for the teacher salary schedule.

But the AP plans to cover today's meeting of West Virginia Education Association county chiefs, and of an afternoon Capitol rally by the American Federation of Teachers-West Virginia. Neither group is content with Friday's bill.

AP spoke with teacher advocates in the wake of the bill's passage, as has MetroNews, The Journal of Martinsburg and The Bluefield Daily Telegraph. The Wheeling newspapers, meanwhile, hear from local school officials bracing for possible future protests like this week's sick-out in Monongalia County.

As for table games, the AP also intends to check in with the racetracks, their host counties and other interested parties. The Journal reports that one lawmaker already plans to campaign against the games when and if his county votes on them. The Wheeling News-Register, meanwhile, hears from decidedly more upbeat track officials. Public Broadcasting also offers this audio report on what happens now with the bill.

AP offers highlights of the table games bill, passed Thursday amid word from Manchin that he will sign it.