Day 53: The PEIA bill is up for a final House vote today
With a week until the finish line, some major proposals are on the floor.
Good morning and welcome back to 60 Days.
Today is Day 53 of the West Virginia Legislature’s regular session and we’re going to keep today’s briefing … well, brief.
Both Dave and I simply don’t have time to put together our usual newsletter. We’re working our real jobs this weekend, the ones that put bread on the table, not simply coffee — not that we’d refuse a cup if you offered.
That said, although the Senate won’t be back in session until Monday, the House will convene at 9 a.m. this morning. The House Rules Committee will meet behind the chamber 15 minutes before lawmakers take to the floor.
You can find the full agenda for today’s House session here.
There are at least a few notable bills at the passage stage that you should watch for:
Com. Sub. for S. B. 268 - Relating to PEIA (Criss) (Effective From Passage) [Finance Committee Amendment Pending] [Right to Amend]
Com. Sub. for S. B. 423 - Increasing salary for certain state employees (Criss) (July 1, 2023) [Finance Committee Amendment Pending] [Right to Amend]
Com. Sub. for H. B. 2024 - Budget Bill, making appropriations of public money out of the treasury in accordance with section fifty-one, article six of the Constitution (Criss) (Effective From Passage) [Right to Amend]
The House is preparing to pass the bill that addresses the financial troubles faced by the Public Employees Insurance Agency as well as the accompanying measure that calls for a $2,300 across the board the pay raise for teachers and State Police troopers.
Union leaders are objecting. They argue that the pay raise is not enough to cover the premium increases and are urging lawmakers to pump the brakes.
This story from WVMetroNews sets up what to expect today:
60 Days legislative links:
Full WV House to consider bill that would require Public Energy Authority approval to decommission fossil fuel plants | wvgazettemail.com
WV Senate signs off on bill that would remove civil liability for emergency response aid | wvgazettemail.com
People with disabilities in Beckley forced to use the bathroom in buckets and outside, inspections show | register-herald.com
How’s that for a brief briefing?
We’ll be back to full speed by Monday to kick off the final week of the session.
Have a good weekend.