April 18th, 2023 by WCBC Radio

A bipartisan group of lawmakers in West Virginia are working to alleviate the shortage of jail employees throughout the state. A state of emergency, allowing the WV National Guard to help alleviate the staffing shortages has been in place since last August and will need to continue, according to officials.  The state has a 27 percent vacancy rate for corrections workers across the system, with 8 facilities having 40 percent vacancies or more.  Lawmakers are seeking to create hiring and retention incentives, including higher pay and bonuses.