Tonight Gov. Joe Manchin kicks off the new legislative term with his fifth State of the State address (at 7pm).
WBOY-TV provides a preview:
Manchin's speech is expected to focus on jobs, the economy and health care in the Mountain State.
State lawmakers are already planning to take action on a health care reform bill, with a special emphasis on finding ways to improve access to heath care for all West Virginians.
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The legislature is also expected to consider tougher penalties against those who harm social workers working on contract for the state.
On Tuesday, Republican members of the House of Delegates outlined their agenda for the session.
They're calling it a a "pro-job, pro-family" agenda, that includes the elimination of the state business franchise tax and a reduction in the corporate net income tax.
GOP lawmakers are also proposing an unbiased court system, including the non-partisan election of judges.
In addition, Republicans will support a plan to put a Constitutional Amendment before state voters that would define marriage as the union between one man and one woman.
Jack Stump covers the perennial issue in statehouse politics, W.Va. teacher unions want more. With W.Va. running a surplus and neighboring states deficits, will this be the year we finally lift our average teacher pay above at least one of our five neighboring states?
The union leaders say they are appreciative but don't think the state can afford to let up.
"We don't think it's time to disinvest in education," Hale said. "We're just not competitive with any of our border states."
Based on a 2007 AFT survey, West Virginia is ranked 45th in average teacher salary. That year, the average West Virginia salary was $40,534.
Maryland had the highest of West Virginia's neighboring states at $54,333; followed by Pennsylvania, $54,043; Ohio, $50,772; Virginia, $49,130; and Kentucky, $43,787.
"What we need to do is not go backward," Hale said. "This may be an opportunity for West Virginia to catch up with other states that are running deficits."
Hale applauded Manchin for his efforts thus far. She said she expected another pay raise for teachers would be approved this session, but couldn't guess how much it would be.
Notably absent from the pre-speech highlights is any mention of the new renewable energy initiatives Gov. Manchin promised during his re-election bid.
Update: Hoppy adds more on teacher pay issues. |
