LINCOLN- A new contract, signed by incoming Gov.-elect Jim Pillen and the Nebraska State Patrol, will give state troopers a 22% raise amid agency retention struggles. "The highest calling of the government is to protect its citizens," said Pillen in a release, "This new contract is part of my commitment to ensure law enforcement has the necessary tools, funding, and manpower needed to protect our communities."

A representative of the State Law Enforcement Bargaining Council, a union that represents state troopers, called the new contract a "historic deal," and claimed that the new wages are among the top five in the state. "It was clear from the beginning that Governor Pillen agreed and has made it a priority to fix it," said Dan Fiala, President of the SLEBC.

Fiala and other union officials raised concerns earlier this summer after it was found that the wages being paid to state troopers had slipped behind 14 other law enforcement agencies in the state, and were even lower than the wages paid to state corrections officers. Starting pay for troopers is currently set at $51,105, but will increase to $62,400 once the contract is implemented.

For the full article click HERE