Less than a month away from the end of this state legislative session, only one bill has passed both the House of Delegates and the Senate and made it to Gov. Joe Manchin’s desk. That measure gives counties flexibility in setting the first and last days of school.
The wheels are grinding slowly, lawmakers say, because of the lagging economy and less money to put into manpower and projects that might otherwise sail through quickly.
The Legislature is tackling a proposed general revenue budget that cuts spending to pre-2007 levels, and is $46 million less than the one passed last year. Recommended by Manchin, it contains very little new spending, owing to concerns over the country’s economic woes.
With a primary election looming on the horizon, some political pundits fear lawmakers are leery of taking on controversial issues that could rock the boat and possibly unseat them.
Well, that is a political reality. Lawmakers who don’t keep their constituents happy don’t keep their legislative posts.
However, it’s important to consider what lawmakers have been accomplishing.
Besides the lone bill sent to Manchin, the two chambers have exchanged another 30 bills, with delegates advancing all but seven of those. Last year, 50 bills had passed either the House or Senate by the 30-day mark, a figure roughly matching previous sessions.
Reviewing, amending and voting on only one bill represents a time-intensive process. Lawmakers have considered and advanced nearly 300 bills.
With less than a month to finish the session, lawmakers will, most likely, kick things into high gear, and we’ll begin to see more tangible results of their work.
We hope they are using their time and taxpayers’ money efficiently and that the session yields some effective measures to boost our economy and resolve some long-standing issues that need to be settled.
Opinion
February 16, 2010
Halfway
<b>State lawmakers have a lot to do before end of session March 13</b>
- Opinion
-
-
No-bid contracts
Lawmakers need to put checks, balances in place
-
Negative campaigning
Smear tactics do nothing but add to public’s distrust
-
Deterrent
Authorities’ use of murder charge could help curb copper thefts
-
Mine safety
For agencies to remain relevant, public must demand a better job
- Thumbs
-
Sweep it up
Volunteers to converge on litter today, tomorrow
-
Fighting the flu
CDC recommending vaccinations for everyone ages 6 months and older
-
Dental hygiene
Give kids healthy snacks and take advantage of programs
-
Get it right
Election officials must stop abdicating responsibilities
-
Too late
Reactive rather than proactive, MSHA decision on ventilation enforcement a slap in face
- More Opinion Headlines
-
No-bid contracts
Denver's Largest-Ever Drug Bust Nets Dozens
Marines: No Punishment for Nazi-like Flag
Vets Look to Translate Military Skills Into Jobs
Expert: Removing LA School's Staff 'Appropriate'
Raw Video: School Bus Burst Into Flames
LA School Reopens Amid Sex Abuse Scandal
$25B Settlement Reached Over Foreclosure Abuses
Pentagon: Allow Women Closer to Front Lines
Obama Gives Education Waivers to 10 States
Giffords Aide to Run for Her Seat
LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens
Winter Slamming North Asia, Parts of Europe
Syrian Forces Renew Bombardment of Homs
States, Banks Reach Foreclosure-abuse Settlement
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal
Raw Video: U.S. Pullout Celebration
Raw Video: Annual Empire State Building Run-Up
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
