Interim Committee Assignments and Studies for 2009

Interim Studies and Committees of the West Virginia Legislature

The West Virginia Legislature while not in regular session studies issues that due to their nature and the constituencies they affect are complicated and deserve special attention and discussion. These issues are taken up in the interim period between sessions and thus their name. In addition to particular study resolutions offered during the regular session, the interim period is used by the Legislature to examine all aspects of the different agencies, bureaus, and departments of state government.

Senator Randy White Appointed Chairman of Three Senate Interim Committees

I have been appointed chairman of the Oversight Committee of Corrections and Regional Jails, Agriculture/Agribusiness, as well as, the Education Public Financing committees. In addition, I have been appointed to the Finance, Government Organization, Parks and Recreation, and Education interim committees.

I look forward to the challenges and responsibilities associated with these appointments in order to serve more effectively as your WV State Senator. Please feel free to contact me during the interim period regarding any issue of importance.

The following are a few of the study resolutions that will be dealt with during the interim. These are not the only issues that will be studied.


Joint Committee on Agribusiness

A study of the apiary industry in West Virginia-honey bee industry

A study of the farmer's markets in West Virginia and other farm related businesses


Joint Commission on Economic Development

SCR 4
Requesting Joint Committee on Government and Finance study gray energy research benefits
SCR 51
Requesting Joint Committee on Government and Finance study use of alternative fuels and biofuels
SCR 53
Requesting Joint Committee on Government and Finance study State Rail Plan
SCR 54
Requesting Joint Committee on Government and Finance study green initiatives

Joint Standing Committee on Education

A Study of the Rural Health Education Partnership
A Study of the Amount of Instructional Time Spent on Mandated Achievement Tests

Joint Standing Committee on Finance

HCR 77
Requesting a study of compensating state troopers for off-duty time when required to be on standby to be called back to work
SCR 57
Requesting Joint Committee on Government and Finance study proposed new state business and occupation tax on high-voltage electric power transmission lines
SCR 59
Requesting Joint Committee on Government and Finance study improving and updating severance tax on natural gas and oil


Joint Standing Committee on Government Organization

HCR 46
Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to conduct a study on expanding the scope of practice for optometrists
HCR 82
Requesting that the Joint Committee on Government and Finance authorize a study of the Board of Optometry
HCR 84
Requesting that the Joint Committee on Government and Finance authorize a study on the Athletic Commission and the regulation of Mixed Martial Arts
HCR 118
Requesting a study to analyze and evaluate the operating practices, administrative procedures and legal issues associated with the state administration of the Division of Highways
A Study of the Regulation of Private Security Services


Joint Standing Committee on Judiciary

HCR 88
Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to appoint a select interim committee to study the issue of a constitutional amendment to prohibit the state from recognizing same sex marriages
HCR 107
Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to conduct a study of the feasibility of enacting a more comprehensive expungement statute
SCR 64
Requesting Joint Committee on Government and Finance study carbon dioxide cap and trade proposals
SCR 67
Requiring Joint Committee on Government and Finance study asbestos trust disclosure issues
Select Committee on Health
HCR 5
Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to study the safety issues of those who provide home visits to families in West Virginia
HCR 53
Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to conduct a study on identifying good perinatal health education models or developing models in West Virginia
HCR 58
Requesting the Legislature to establish a Joint Legislative Committee on Substance Abuse and Public Assistance
HCR 91
Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to conduct a study on establishing a program to permit medicine aides who are certified to administer certain drugs
HCR 93
Requesting the Committee on Government and Finance to conduct a study on methadone treatment centers in West Virginia

Health Care Debate...What Some Are Saying

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZ6ssMRNvqA&feature=player_embedded Here are a few excerpts of what some are saying about the 46 million Americans without health care. Congressman Zach Wamp (R) Tennessee is adamant that health care is a privilege. Do they really express your sentiments? How many people do you know without health insurance?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzDwXr9szxw Click here for a parody of the opposition to Health Care Reform. Rick Scott gave up a lucrative career as a health industry CEO after being forced to resign amidst the largest Medicare FRAUD settlement in history. He went on to found Conservatives for Patients Rights, an organization dedicated to derailing Health Care Reform using tactics similar to the famous "swiftboat-style" campaign.

Health Care Reform is the most important domestic issue confronting this nation. If you are one of the 46 million uninsured, you know its importance. However, if you are one of the "privileged" persons with health care, you are aware of the ever growing cost to your pocketbook. Business and industry are aware of the expensive benefit they provide their employees and how it affects them in the global marketplace.

You've heard the old saying "you get what you pay for!" Well with regard to health care, this isn't the case. America has the most expensive health care system in the world, yet according to the World Health Organization, America has the 37th best (worst) health care system in the world.

Something has to give...America can't afford paying more and receiving less. It's time for meaningful Health Care Reform with a public option.

Don't be misled, fooled, or scared into accepting the status-quo. AMERICANS DESERVE BETTER!