Legislative - West Virginia Wholesalers Association

wvwa leg land

We maintain strong one on one contact with state and federal legislators and government leaders. We are proactive in our efforts for the benefit of our industry and members.

Position Statements

As always, there are issues that are very important to our industries, where we must be proactive in our approach. We have developed the following position statements to educate lawmakers, which concisely explain our views on these issues. We hope that you will use this information to educate your legislators about issues affecting our industries.

Fair Competition & Border Stability

We continue to seek an even playing field to conduct business.

Economic and Jobs Development

Build and sustain a business competitive environment.

Fiscal Responsibility

State government maintain prudent budgeting.

Responsible Government

We would like to see prudence, integrity and transparency in government.

Education

Have a responsible and work-ready workforce.

Legal Reform

Continued legal reform in needed in WV.

Legislative Summary 2017

: May 01, 2017

The 2017 Regular Session of the West Virginia Legislature adjourned sine die on Sunday, April 9th. There were 1,702 bills introduced this Session.

132 House bills passed this session and 130 Senate bills.

Both chambers of the Legislature passed a $4.1 billion budget bill. Highlights are:

Maintains its balance in part by using $90 million out of the Rainy Day Fund
$140 million cut to the medical services line in DHHR; the medical services line item is reduced from $490 million to $350 million.
Higher education is cut of just under $30 million. Most state colleges have a 4-percent across-the-board cut. West Virginia and Marshall universities have an 8.5 percent cut.
Public education is relatively unchanged from current funding.
No money in this budget for the governor's Save Our State fund for infrastructure and economic development.
No money for a classroom teacher pay raises or for pay raises for any state employees.
No tax increases.

The House passed the budget by a vote of 63-37 and the Senate by 22-12.