The 76th Legislature faces numerous challenges during this 2003 session, and I'm pleased to report that I'll be in the thick of it. I have been appointed by House Speaker Bob Kiss to the House Rules Committee, which has just been expanded. I'll also continue chairing the House Rule-Making and Revue Committee for a second term, and am serving on the Health and Human Resources and Judiciary Committees, so this year will be a busy one. As the session progresses, I would like to offer weekly updates on the actions of the Legislature and the business of the various committees and issues affecting my constituents.
As has been widely reported, there are several pressing issues which must be addressed during this 60-day session, including doctors' concerns over medical malpractice insurance costs, the financial problems of the state Workers Compensation Fund, all-terrain vehicle safety and reducing the size of state government. Even before Gov. Bob Wise mentioned those areas, as well as several others, during his State of the State address, House Speaker Kiss and members of the leadership had already announced plans to tackle those four major problems head-on - not just during the 60-day session, but during the first two weeks.
Meanwhile, an extremely tight budget looms. Gov. Wise has included more than $200 million in spending cuts in his proposed 2003-2004 budget. He also would like the Legislature to increase the cigarette tax from 17 cents per pack to 55 cents per pack to generate $300 million (once federal matching funds are factored) that would be dedicated to health care issues such as nursing homes, senior care and prescription drug assistance. Gov. Wise also pledged to continue negotiating with the brand name prescription drug manufacturers, and to maintain or expand the savings available with the Golden Mountaineer card. Through my work on the Health and Human Resources Committee, I'll be able to keep a close watch on the development of both of those issues.
Obviously the medical malpractice insurance problem has reached a critical point, and both the Governor and the leaders of the House and Senate have said finding at least a partial remedy is a priority. Speaker Kiss has noted that other states have designed civil justice systems which have preserved the rights of injured patients to obtain relief, and at the same time slowed or even stalled the growth in malpractice premium costs, and he has urged the House of Delegates to do the same. As a member of the House Judiciary Committee, I'll be directly involved with the development of the House legislation.
Through my work on the Rules Committee, which serves in an advisory capacity to the Speaker and helps manage the day-to-day flow of legislation, I'll also have first-hand knowledge of the development of legislation in the other three targeted areas - ATV safety, reduction in government, and the troubled Workers Compensation Fund - during the next few weeks.
* Just a few days ago, legislators learned that the Workers Compensation system faces bankruptcy if something isn't done. The fund's unfunded liability has stretched above $2.4 billion. While a comprehensive rewrite similar to the 1995 legislation is not possible in the next 60 days, we'll try to address several of the more serious conditions creating the fiscal crisis.
* While lawmakers have long discussed the need to reduce the size of state government, to accomplish that, we'll have to consider eliminating some services, or at least some locations where services are currently provided, so such legislation certainly shouldn't be taken lightly.
* Both Gov. Wise and the House leadership also agree that some degree of safety regulations regarding ATVs should be enacted. While ATVs are an important factor in this state's recreation and tourism industry, lawmakers hope to be able to find a way to protect riders, in particular children, without being overly restrictive.
Throughout the legislative session, I would welcome and appreciate your input. Please call me at (304)340-3106 or write to Delegate Virginia Mahan, 215-E, Capitol Complex, Charleston, WV 25305.