5 Percent Raise For Florida Law Enforcement To Be Proposed Thursday
On Thursday Florida Gov. Rick Scott will announce a proposal for the state’s highway patrol troopers, wildlife officers and state law enforcement agents to receive a five percent pay raise next year.
Scott plans to announce the proposal when he visits a Florida Highway Patrol station in Orlando.
The state has nearly 4,000 sworn law enforcement officers and Scott says after their work this past year with two hurricanes and the Pulse Nightclub shooting, they deserve a pay raise.
“Through these times of adversity, our state law enforcement fearlessly answered the call and put themselves in harm’s way – standing strong in the face of danger,” Scott said in a statement. “It is thanks to their hard work and sacrifice that Florida persevered through these difficult times and has achieved a 45-year crime low – and I am humbled by their service, dedication and fortitude.”
The Florida Department of Financial Services, the Florida Lottery, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, the Florida Department of Legal Affairs and the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind employees are also included in the proposal.
The $11.7 million request will be included in the budget recommendations Scott will give to state legislators early next year. Officials with the organizations included in this request are applauding Scott.
“Our troopers work tirelessly to patrol Florida’s roadways and respond to the needs of the tens of millions of motorists that travel our roads each year,” Florida Highway Patrol Director Colonel Gene Spaulding said to News 6.
“The continued support of Gov. Scott is keeping our roads and communities safe.”
The pay raise will be considered by the Florida Legislature during the regular session, which starts in March. Scott hasn’t decided whether pay raises will be recommended for other state workers yet.