West Virginia lawmakers continued their legislative work this week while also coming together to support flood victims in McDowell County. Record-breaking floodwaters devastated the area, leaving thousands without power, water, or access to medical care. Delegate David Green expressed gratitude for ongoing recovery efforts and donations from fellow legislators.
One bill that received significant attention was HB 2623 which states the purpose of this bill is to abolish the West Virginia Public Employees Insurance Act and to instead establish that health, dental, and vision insurance for public employees shall be provided by contract. I do not support this bill. PEIA has issues and rising costs, but this is not the way to fix it without a well-researched and vetted plan to replace it. The conversation will continue. HB 2623 is in the Health Committee, where it will undergo a committee process that could halt its progress. If it passes, it will move to floor debate and three readings before being sent to the Senate for the same process.
The Senate passed SB Bill 460 which would allow religious and philosophical exemptions when it comes to the state’s school vaccination requirements. The bill is on the House Health Committee agenda for a hearing on Monday, February 24th, at 3:35. By the time you read the column it could have moved to the second day for a markup phase. Some delegates in the house believe the bill is too broad.
Also up this week on the House Health Committee is Markup and Passage HB 2007 – Repeal Certificate of Need Process. A Certificate of Need (CON) in West Virginia is a regulatory process requiring healthcare providers to obtain state approval before expanding facilities, adding new services, or purchasing major medical equipment. The goal is to prevent unnecessary duplication, control costs, and ensure access to essential healthcare services.
Supporters of continuing CON say it prevents oversaturation and helps avoid excessive healthcare facilities in one area while ensuring services are available in underserved regions. Ensuring services in our rural area gets my vote. Also, CON limits unnecessary spending on medical infrastructure, reducing healthcare costs for patients and providers.
Those who aim to repeal CON state that it limits competition and can prevent new healthcare providers from entering the market, reducing innovation and patient choice. In addition, CON laws may slow expansion and the approval process which could delay much-needed services.
Meanwhile, the House advanced several bills, including HB 2042, which would allow court-appointed special advocates in child neglect cases to improve outcomes without adding state costs. With 794 bills introduced so far, legislators face a March 18th deadline for new proposals before the session concludes on April 12th. You can track bills, watch floor sessions, and listen to committee meetings on the WV legislature website.
It was a pleasure to recognize Glenville State University’s 153rd GSU continues to be a vital resource to the Mountain State and beyond by preparing students for careers in teaching, business, land resources, criminal justice, music, art, health sciences, language arts, and human services through a variety of educational and professional degrees including Associate, Baccalaureate, and Master’s level. Thank you to the students, staff, community, and supporters of Glenville State University. With President Mark Manchin’s leadership they are having quite an impact.
Special thanks to Tim Henline, GSU Chief Financial Officer, who presented to the Subcommittee on Higher Education cost saving measures and streamlining higher education. His valuable insights and willingness to bring together other institutions to explore best efficiency practices has the potential to save millions of dollars.
“Glenville College we will love thee,
All thro’ life and e’vn in death,
Love and treasure, sing thy praises,
With the last of quick’ning breath.”
(Glenville State University Alma Mater – Words and music written by Fred H. Barnett)
Braxton was well represented on EMS Day with Tiffany Prior, Braxton EMS Director, Zack Harrison, EMT, and Brian White, Squad Training Officer and EMT. Sis Price, Co-director of West Virginia Families for Immunizations stopped by to offer information about the vital importance of immunizations.
Paging this week from District 63 was Braxton County High School student, Alexander Dennison, and Gilmer County High School Students who also represented the Girls Scourts, Kendra Fox and Clarissa Miller. I am thankful for students who are interested in government and participate as well as the adults that bring them to the capital and encourage their civic engagement.
I also had the opportunity to visit with Ross Helmick representing the Wild Turkey Federation. Ross is the son of Braxton County Middle School assistant principal Sheran Helmick.
This past week, I attended a reception for WV Senior Services. It was nice to see Braxton Director, Gary Rexroad, and Gilmer Director, Sallie Mathias. Both of them shared concerns about CON and great news about programs for seniors in both counties.
Devoted to Braxton County, West Virginia
