Back to Legislative Updates

Lewisburg Interims Focus on the Budget

The Legislature’s interim meetings in Lewisburg proved to be informative for lawmakers and residents alike. I received a great deal of positive feedback from lawmakers, some of whom were visiting our beautiful area for the first time, and I was pleased to note the impressive number of residents who attended the many meetings. The three-day session included several visitations to parks, forests, schools, and The Greenbrier resort. In addition, standing legislative committees held their regular meetings at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, and some interesting facts and developments were reported.

The following are some highlights:

* As predicted, the state’s budget continues to be the focus of attention, as state officials try to get a handle on what cuts will have to be made in the face of the recession. Unfortunately, a recent discovery regarding the condition of our public pension system will create further strain. The actuary for the Consolidated Public Retirement Board reported that the Teachers’ Retirement System unfunded liability is about $253 million larger than previously believed. The system carries a long-term debt of more than $4 billion, and the state allocates approximately $320 million each year toward it. The mistake apparently stemmed from the fact that previous estimates were based on 1983 assumptions, and the average life span of a retiree has grown by more than four years since that time.

* The Legislative Oversight Commission on Education Accountability learned that while some colleges and universities had enacted layoffs and were contemplating more, others have actually increased staffing during the past five years.

While in total, the state’s higher education system has reduced its number of full-time positions by 186 between 1997 and 2003, some schools such as Bluefield State College, Marshall University and Shepherd College have increased the number of full-time positions.

Some lawmakers expressed surprise at that fact, considering Gov. Bob Wise enacted budget cuts last year and has already asked for a $33 million cut in higher education in the coming fiscal year. The Higher Education Policy Commission is asking the administration to restore those cuts, and requests an additional $10 million for need-based financial aid programs. Many legislators have said further cuts to higher education funding would be inappropriate.

* Regardless of the state’s fiscal condition, additional initiatives requiring new funding are a certainty. During a meeting of the Select Committee on the West Virginia Turnpike, lawmakers zeroed in on the lack of wireless telephone service along that winding stretch of highway. Committee members have noted that travelers lack the ability to call 911 in an emergency and have suggested taking steps to eliminate those “dead zones” where cell phone calls cannot be made.

Legislators were told last week that the cost of ensuring wireless coverage along the Turnpike could cost as much as $7million. But it was also noted that competition among wireless companies, plus the potential leasing income from new towers, could lower that estimate greatly.

The committee plans to study the issue further, and perhaps make a formal recommendation regarding legislation in November.

* Another select committee continues to explore possible legislation regarding water use. Legislators listened to a presentation from a representative fo the West Virginia Manufacturers Association, who said that chemical plants and other large companies would support a registration and reporting requirement, but are reluctant to back a permit requirement for major water consumers.

Currently, West Virginia is one of only two East Coast states without a water use law. While the lack of regulation has yet to be problematic, industry observers point to the increased purchasing of water rights by large corporations. The committee is considering a bill which would require registration by entities that use an average of 100,000 gallons or more per day, with the exception of farms.

* Workers Compensation Director Greg Burton said the workers compensation legislation adopted this year needs time to take effect, and therefore he doesn’t see a need for the Legislature to revisit the issue during the 2004 session.

At the same time, some legislative leaders have questioned whether further legislative action will be needed in 2004 regarding the medical malpractice insurance issue. Some lawmakers were surprised to learn that half of the state’s more than 5,000 doctors have failed to pay a required $1,000 fee to support a new physician-run malpractice insurance company. The mutual company is being created to replace a state-run fund set up in 2001 to help physicians acquire malpractice coverage. Senate President Earl Ray Tomblin, D-Logan, suggested that doctors’ licenses not be renewed if they don’t pay the fee.

Although holding legislative interims in selected areas around the state each year has often been criticized, I believe it is of considerable benefit to bring the government to the people.  For many citizens, it is their only opportunity to observe the legislative process and speak with lawmakers face to face.

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.