<p>West Virginia lawmakers reached a deal on Tuesday, March 6, that would end the nine-day teachers strike. The deal would give all of the state’s public employees a 5 percent increase, according to Gov. Jim Johnson</a>.</p><p>Teachers at the state capitol, where they have been gathering throughout the strike, cheered when the deal was announced to them. Delegate Brent Boggs, a Democrat, announced via a bullhorn the details and the process to finish the deal, saying the legislation should reach the governor’s desk for his signature by the end of the day.</p><p>Teachers union leaders told local news</a> that if the legislation was signed by the governor by the end of the day, teachers would return to work on Wednesday.</p><p>Republican lawmakers, though, said the pay increase comes with budget cuts, including $20 million reduction to general services and Medicaid, the news report said. Credit: West Virginia Democratic Pary via Storyful</p><br />
