Issue Position: Public Safety

Issue Position

Last year, with the closing of correctional Facilities and the layoffs of public safety staff, public safety was drastically affected and changed. This year's legislators recognized the importance of retaining public safety officers and their valuable services and sacrifices on a daily basis to protect the citizens of the Commonwealth. Correctional officers and senior officers are two of the 19 state jobs with the highest turnover rate due to low salaries and hazardous work environment.

As a member of the Militia, Police and Public Safety Committee, supporting and funding our law enforcement officers and correctional officers has been one of my priorities. The 75th District has more correctional facilities (Greensville, Sussex I and II, Deerfield, and Brunswick Private Facility) than any other district in the Commonwealth.

l was pleased to vote in favor of the budget that included a compensation package for our state police, deputy sheriffs and correctional officers. The budget allocates $6,939,908 million dollars which will provide a $1,000 increase in the starting salaries for correctional officers and 1.5% percent increase for state employees effective August 10, 2015. The budget bills now awaits the signature of Governor Terry McAuliffe.

I would like to thank all public safety officers including our state polices, sheriffs, deputy sheriffs, correctional officers and emergency services for their dedication and commitment in making my district and the Commonwealth a safe place to raise our children and families.

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