WV Legislature: One 60 day session is not enough.

How does WVa compare? (0.00 / 0)

How does the length of the WVa legislative session compare to other states in general and to other states our size (by population and/or budget)?

One concern I have with the length of the legislative session is the de facto relationship between session length and eligible professions for serving in the legislature. It's hard enough for most people to get a two month leave of absence from work -- the longer the session the harder that becomes.

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by: Clem Guttata @ Mon Jan 14, 2008 at 22:39:19 PM UTC

Here's a link for all the states. (4.00 / 1)

http://www.bastards.org/activi...

I dunno.  Session doesn't start until 9 and is usually over by 11.  A lot of that time is taken up with the prayer and introductions.  When kids come to page the first thing they mention is how rude the legislators are when other legislators are speaking. That has nothing to do with what you're talking about though.  A lot of time is wasted on bills like Shirley Love's corporal punishement in schools bill.  Or having a museum in Oak Hill where they discovered Hank Williams was dead.  That took a lot of time the last couple of years.  They always extend the session.  They go in for roll call so they get paid and then adjourn.  They do go to committee meetings a lot of afternoons.  Guess that's where most of the work gets done.  

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by: MadAnne @ Mon Jan 14, 2008 at 22:45:07 PM UTC

Thanks for the link (0.00 / 0)

It does look like a longer session is the norm for most states. I was surprised to see a large state like Florida with only a 60-day session, so it is possible. Then again, there's a big difference among states in how much the legislative vs. the executive branch can do and I'm not sure where Florida falls.

It would also be interesting to know how much legislators get paid. How many states pay enough to have essentially full time legislators, I wonder.

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by: Clem Guttata @ Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 00:33:21 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

Senator Love (4.00 / 1)

The Register-Herald reported yesterday that Senator Love has announced his retirement. I just think the 1973 session amendment was introduced for purely political purposes. What ever happened to statesmanship?

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by: WV26003 @ Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 03:56:20 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

Here it is. (4.00 / 1)

http://www.salaries.wa.gov/doc...

The per diem really adds up.  You can stay in Charleston cheaper than $115 a day.  The Marriott cuts legislators a deal because they make it up in legislative receptions.  I would think the Embassy does the same.  You can look at it two ways, they could get more done in a longer session or they can't do as much harm in 60 days.

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by: MadAnne @ Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 02:59:40 AM UTC