State & Local Government Policy, Business and Technology

FL: Gov. Scott wants 5 percent raises for 4,000 state police officers

TALLAHASSEE -- Gov. Rick Scott wants the Florida Legislature to approve a 5 percent pay raise for about 4,000 state law enforcement officers in next year's budget.

Scott, who has generally opposed across-the-board raises for all state workers during his six years in office, made the proposal at a Florida Highway Patrol station in Orlando Thursday. He cited their heroic efforts at the Pulse nightclub massacre in June, followed by two hurricanes and a tropical storm.

"We must always do everything we can to recognize our law enforcement officers and let them know how much we appreciate their service," Scott said in a statement. "It is thanks to their hard work and sacrifice that Florida persevered throiugh these difficult times and has achieved a 45-year crime rate low."

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