Thank you for your help Wyoming!
A Victory for Wyoming:
Strengthening Our State Through Fair Compensation
On behalf of the Wyoming Highway Patrol Association (WHPA), I am writing today with a profound sense of gratitude. Recently, we concluded a focused legislative campaign with a singular goal: to ensure that the dedicated men and women who serve Wyoming are compensated fairly for the vital work they do.
We are proud to share that, thanks to the overwhelming support of the citizens we serve, our state leaders have taken a significant step forward. By moving state employee compensation closer to the 2024 Market Pay Policy (MPP), Wyoming has signaled that it values the professionals who keep our state running, safe, and secure.
Why the 2024 MPP Matters:
For those unfamiliar with the term, the “Market Pay Policy” is essentially the benchmark for what a job is worth in today’s economy. For too long, Wyoming’s state salaries, including those of our Troopers, Dispatchers, and Port of Entry professionals, had fallen behind, based on outdated 2022 market data.
Closing this gap was never just about a paycheck; it was a fundamental investment in our collective safety. By prioritizing competitive pay, we move further towards ensuring there are enough Troopers on the road to respond when you call, helping to keep experienced Dispatchers behind the console during emergencies, and retaining seasoned inspectors at our Ports of Entry. Furthermore, this move demonstrates fiscal responsibility by helping reduce the high cost of turnover and preventing the loss of taxpayer-funded training to neighboring states. A Community Effort.
While our association carried the message to Cheyenne, it was the voice of the Wyoming people that truly resonated in the halls of the Capitol. We heard from families, business owners, and neighbors who reached out to their legislators to say that public safety is a priority.
Yours and the Governor’s support provided the momentum we needed. Because you stood with us, we can now better recruit the next generation of “Guardians of the Cowboy State” and retain the veteran experts who provide mentorship and leadership within our ranks.
Our Promise to You:
To the citizens of Wyoming: We do not take your support for granted. As we move closer to market competitive compensation, our commitment to you remains unchanged. We will continue to patrol with pride, respond with urgency, and serve with the unwavering professionalism you expect and deserve.
Even during the most “trying times,” the bond between the Wyoming Highway Patrol and the communities we protect has remained unbreakable. Thank you for recognizing our work, valuing our families, and helping us secure a safer future for every traveler on our roads.
Thank you, Wyoming, for riding for the brand with us.
Matt Arnell
President
Wyoming Highway Patrol Association