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January 10, 2007
Legislature
Topics needing action
TODAY, the 2007 Legislature assembles to address West Virginia’s needs. Gov.
Manchin hasn’t revealed all the recommendations he will outline in his yearly
State of the State message. However, several public issues deserve serious
consideration by lawmakers, as follows:
Payola — The state’s prescription cost-cutting council rejected a
proposal to reveal the names of West Virginia doctors who accept more than
$10,000 each per year in gifts from drug salesmen — inducements designed to
persuade the physicians to prescribe certain costly brands. But legislators can
insert this disclosure requirement into the council’s regulations. It should be
done, to let patients know about doctor freebies.
Sales tax — Gov. Manchin says he wants tax reform. Here’s one glaring
need: West Virginia merchants and businesses are put at a disadvantage because
they must collect the state’s 6 percent sales tax from customers, but most
online firms duck this obligation. Losses in state revenue are estimated as low
as $25 million a year and as high as $130 million. Any law changes that will
reduce this tax evasion should be passed.
Table gambling — This state’s four racetracks already are flashy
casinos, dubbed “racinos.” Letting them add roulette, blackjack, dice and the
like would create an estimated 2,000 more West Virginia jobs — and generate
millions in state revenue, which would pay for in-home care for invalid
oldsters, Gov. Manchin says. Legislators should give county voters a choice on
this question.
Mine safety — Last year, after the Sago disaster, lawmakers passed
important new mine safety requirements. They mandate additional air supplies,
wireless communications and miner tracking devices underground. Despite this
prudent response, thousands of miners still haven’t got the equipment. It’s
back-ordered from two companies, while a third firm has a Pittsburgh warehouse
full of air packs. The state’s laws are only as good as their enforcement.
Lawmakers should hold hearings, ask for documentation and make sure the new
safety rules are applied.
Schools — The state Chamber of Commerce wants several changes,
including upgraded education to improve skills of West Virginia workers.
However, state officials chose to save money by toughening qualifications to
prevent some Mountain State youths from getting Promise scholarships. This
contradicts the chamber’s goal. Promise opportunities should be restored for
every eligible low-income student — and lawmakers should support any other
workable ways to elevate West Virginia education, because learning is the heart
of the new information-based economy.
ATVs — Rural West Virginia is a natural playground for the popular
hill-hoppers — but they’re dangerous, and the state sets ever-worse death
records. Legislators, fearing an election backlash from ATV owners, repeatedly
have avoided a tough crackdown. ATVs even are allowed on some paved roads, for
which they aren’t designed — and little is done about parents who let children
roar away recklessly. It won’t be easy to police the buggies, out in the hills,
but any further safety steps would be welcome.
Women’s rights — Fundamentalists striving to revoke women’s right to
choose abortion plan another effort in the 2007 session. They’re pushing two
anti-choice bills. In the past, many West Virginia lawmakers have cowered before
such “religious right” demands. But we hope the mood is different this year, and
they resist this attempt to force desperate 14-year-old girls to become unwed
mothers.
Debt reduction — Repeatedly, the governor and Legislature have used
surplus revenue to reduce giant deficits in West Virginia’s pension and medical
insurance systems. Manchin wants to continue this sensible, practical course.
Splendid idea.
Methadone — A Gazette series showed that an alarming number of people
die from this painkiller and addiction-control drug, even when it’s taken in
recommended doses. West Virginia had 99 such deaths in 2004, the fastest-growing
rate in America. Senate Minority Leader Don Caruth, R-Mercer, wants to tighten
state controls over commercial clinics that dispense methadone to addicts. We
hope he succeeds.
Bottle bill — Recycling plastic, aluminum and glass to make good use
of materials is a wise policy. So is litter control: urging people to pick up
bottles and cans along West Virginia’s roadways and picnic spots, keeping the
state lovely. These are strong points supporting the proposal to pay fees to
those who return bottles and cans. However, the dime-a-can rate seems unduly
high. Colas at some discount stores now cost less than 20 cents per can. Adding
10 cents for a return fee would be a jolt.
Other important issues are likely to enter the spotlight during the coming
session. We hope the 60 days end with definite improvements for the Mountain
State.
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