Debates Over Teacher Pay Increases Continue at the Statehouse

On The Legislature Today, the West Virginia House of Delegates spent nearly four hours in session debating amendments to the teacher, school personnel, and police pay raise bill. We also look at clips from an emotional public hearing on a bill that proponents say will crack down on fraud within assistance programs, like SNAP. Host Andrea Lannom also chats with Minority Vice Chair of House Finance, Del. Mick Bates, D-Raleigh, on a handful of issues moving under the Capitol dome.

Senior Reporter Dave Mistich joins Lannom to discuss the action on the House floor.

Healthcare advocacy groups, volunteers, social workers, private citizens, churches, the League of Women Voters, and the American Civil Liberties Union were among those who opposed HB 4001 – eligibility and fraud requirements for public assistance.

The West Virginia Chamber of Commerce and the West Virginia Business and Industry Council spoke in support of the bill.

Minority Vice Chair of Finance Del. Mick Bates, D-Raleigh, joins Lannom to discuss a potential teacher strike and other issues. We note we invited House Finance Vice Chair Del. Eric Householder, R-Berkeley, who said he had a scheduling conflict.

Breakdown of the Interview with Del. Bates:

• Governor’s press conference addressing teacher pay and PEIA
• Potential cuts?
• Where can we pull additional money for higher teacher pay raise?
• Thoughts on the progress and direction of session so far?
• Revenue collections for January
• Supplementary appropriations
• Economic drivers?
• Teacher strike?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUDobvMeWGo

The Legislature Today is West Virginia’s source for daily legislative news and information. The only live television program covering the West Virginia Legislature, the broadcast features reports from the Senate, House and committee meetings with in-depth interviews and analysis of the legislative process in West Virginia.

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