LePage Wants Big Raises for State Troopers and Game Wardens

Gov. Paul LePage is pushing for bigger paychecks for the people who work for the Maine State Police, Maine Warden Service and Maine Marine Patrol.

A bill submitted by Republican governor would hike people's pay 12 percent to 18 percent, depending on the agency and the position.

Colonel Robert Williams, Chief of the Maine State Police, on Monday told members of the Legislature's budgeting-writing committee that the agencies are struggling to recruit and retain staff. Maine has the lowest paid state troopers in New England.

The total cost has not been determined. Democrats on the committee expressed support for the proposal but also questioned why the administration targeted some positions for raises at the exclusion of others.