Each year, the Legislature holds one or two of its monthly interim meetings
outside of Charleston. By moving the meetings to other parts of the state,
legislators gain the opportunity to get to know people in communities outside
of both their districts and Charleston. This month, we met in Parkersburg.
It was a real pleasure to get back to that area, and witness first-hand what
Wood County has to offer. The three days of meetings, some of which were
held at West Virginia University-Parkersburg, proved to be very informative.
The following are some highlights of what various committees learned:
* Probably the most talked-about matter was next year’s budget. Tax and Revenue
Secretary Brian Kastick told legislators that $120 million will have to be
transferred from other state agencies to pay for growing expenses in Medicaid,
the state pension plans, the Public Employee Insurance Agency, and the Division
of Corrections. For example, the state’s 40-year plan to pay off the state’s
pension debt requires an 8 percent increase every year, which means about
$35 million in the 2004-2005 budget.
Considering the shape of the economy, the Legislature is going to have to
be pretty creative in balancing next year’s budget. Secretary Kastick suggested
a variety of cost-cutting measures, including privatization of some services,
such as state park management, insurance programs or janitorial work. He
also mentioned selling or leasing some state buildings or property, even
cutting some programs. “We need to change the way we do business,” Secretary
Kastick told the Charleston Gazette.
* As a member of the Equal Pay Commission, I was very excited to learn that
more than 1,800 state workers will soon receive $26 more in their monthly
paychecks as part of the Commission’s work to equalize pay between traditionally
female jobs and jobs held primarily by males. Although the Commission spent
$200,000 last year to equalize pay, the program was almost eliminated this
year when the Legislature did not reauthorize it during the regular, 2003
session. To save the program, the Legislature added the Commission to its
recent special session agenda. This year, $250,000 will go toward equalization
of salaries, most of which are in the middle range of state pay.
* An education committee was told about the success of Wood County’s truancy
reduction program. Unfortunately, most West Virginia counties eliminated
their truancy programs when welfare funding for them was eliminated. While
Wood County school system officials were able to obtain a grant to keep their
program afloat – and boost attendance to almost 93 percent – they encouraged
legislators to find money for such efforts.
* According to a report from the state Higher Education Policy Commission,
state colleges and universities spend millions every year to defend against
lawsuits and employee grievances. In the past five years, nearly $35 million
went toward defending lawsuits – which the Higher Education Policy Commission
says represents $749 for every employee and $114 for every student.
* The Oversight Commission on Health and Human Resources Accountability listened
to debate over the success of Medicaid’s prescription drug program. While
Medicaid officials say the use of a preferred drug list is essential to containing
soaring drug costs, some consumer, health and pharmaceutical representatives
question whether Medicaid recipients are able to obtain all the drugs needed
to maintain good health.
* Members of a subcommittee assigned to examine the potential merger of the
Governor’s Cabinet of Children and Families with the state Department of
Health and Human Resource’s Bureau for Children and Families were apparently
a bit surprised to learn that the administration has already cut two-thirds
of the Cabinet’s staff – from 20 to six – and reduced its budget by more
than $300,000.
Gov. Bob Wise proposed the merger during the 2003 session, but the legislation
died. The committee will continue to examine the issue.
Next month’s interim sessions will be held in Charleston once again, but
in September, the Legislature is moving toward our area: Greenbrier County.
I encourage anyone interested in the legislative process to venture out and
sit in on a meeting or two. It’s a great opportunity to meet lawmakers from
other parts of the state and voice your opinion.
The final schedule for the Greenbrier County interim meetings will be posted
about a week prior to the Sept. 7 start on the legislative web page, www.legis.state.wv.us.
I welcome and appreciate your input on these issues, or any other legislative
matter. Please call me at (304)340-3106 or write to Delegate Virginia Mahan,
215-E, Capitol Complex, Charleston, WV 25305.