PIERRE, S.D.(WNAX)- Members of the South Dakota legislatures interim Appropriations Committee were concerned with the money used to give state Highway Patrol troopers raises above and beyond the six percent given to all state employees.

Committee Co-Chair Senator Jean Hunhoff of Yankton says they had lots of questions about the raises.

Hunhoff says those dollars will have to be included in next year’s budget and increased.

Hunhoff says the raises will now force a counter move from the private sector.

Department of Public Safety Secretary Craig Price told the committee the raises were needed to stem the loss of state troopers.