I try to avoid sweeping generalizations, because there are always exceptions. But with all due respect, this is the worst Legislature West Virginia has ever had. By far. The worst.
From changing the rules, to flouting the rules, to ignoring the rules, to not even knowing what the rules are — everything is being manipulated to push through terrible legislation that most West Virginians don’t want. And, worst of all, it does nothing to pull our state out of its deepening social and economic challenges.
Instead, it pursues culture wars and outright silly projects as though Orwell’s “1984†and “The Handmaid’s Tale†are party platforms. But hey, at least they tried to rename Spruce Knob after someone who’s never been there and wouldn’t climb it even if they could.
I watched a legislative attorney tell a legislator that a proposed bill was unconstitutional, citing recent rulings from our Supreme Court of Appeals and a voter rejection of a related constitutional amendment. The Legislature’s solution? Pass it anyway.
Unlike Congress, our state constitution demands that each bill focus on a single general purpose. This Legislature’s solution? To sneak a jab at vaccine mandates into an unrelated bill, ignoring that very constitutional requirement.
When it comes to addressing centuries of racism and sexism, this Legislature’s answer is simple: erase diversity, equity and inclusion programs, because we’re apparently too “woke†— or is it just that we’re too oblivious to history? Who knew that we could just erase racism, sex discrimination and misogyny with the stroke of a pen? Unfortunately, the problem still exists, and this Legislature is Exhibit A.
This Legislature’s solution to the public health system? Try to eliminate childhood vaccine requirements. Health and adulthood are overrated, right? If you don’t want your kids vaccinated, the solution is simple — don’t send them to public school.
Meanwhile, county education leaders are begging for more funds to meet the legislative mandate to make schools safer. The Legislature’s response? Cut that funding and redirect it to the Hope Scholarship voucher system. And they had the audacity to claim they’re against unfunded mandates.
Southern West Virginia, still recovering from devastating floods, has seen next to no help from FEMA. The Legislature’s response? Don’t fund flood relief.
Broadband access is a major issue, as we lag far behind the rest of the country. The Legislature’s solution? Slow-walk billions in federal funds, which may soon be at risk.
Nearly 6,000 children in West Virginia’s foster care system, some as far away as the Midwest. The Legislature’s solution? Conduct another study. We already have plenty of studies; all they need to do is read one and act on it.
Homelessness? This Legislature’s solution is to make “camping†a crime, which could eventually lead to jailing homeless people — and the state will pay daily fees to cities and counties for overcrowded, understaffed jails. Where, ironically, they will receive food, shelter and clothing. There’s already a study on this issue too.
Our electric bills are among the highest in the nation. The Legislature’s response? Push through legislation that even American Electric Power (AEP) opposed, fearing it would raise rates. Think about that: AEP opposed legislation that would allow it to raise its own rates.
Communities around the state lack basic water and sewer services. The Legislature’s response? Crickets.
Teachers and school employees are leaving the state in droves because they are overworked, underpaid and unable to afford rising insurance costs. The Legislature’s response? No pay raises, no stabilization of insurance and more money taken from public education. Oh, and they proposed allowing parents without a high school diploma to give their kids a high school diploma or equivalent. Let’s be clear: teaching is a skill and an art. Having a political science, English or law degree doesn’t make me capable of teaching.
I’ll give this Legislature one thing: it has changed my views on certain issues. Republicans once championed the initiative, referendum and recall process. But since they took control in 2015, they’ve shown no interest in implementing those. I now believe in that process. I also believe in term limits. And, frankly, I believe anyone who wants to serve in the Legislature should have to pass an eighth-grade civics and literacy test.
I’d love to end this piece on a hopeful note, optimistic that we can turn things around in the next election. But I don’t think we can — or will. The damage this Legislature has done will echo through the generations.
