Public Comments

Data centers do not belong in Appalachia! Protect our land, our water, our ecosystems! We only have one planet, please help us protect it!

This legislation is premised on assumptions that are not supported by data, yet it carries a fiscal note that presents those assumptions as fact. Similar concerns apply to the presentation of HB 4025. Before advancing legislation of this magnitude, it is reasonable to ask whether leadership within the affected agencies, or the human resources professionals responsible for implementation, have been meaningfully consulted.

There is a documented reason agencies have sought removal from the Division of Personnel in recent years. This bill does not acknowledge that history, nor does it address whether the systemic issues that prompted those transitions have been resolved. If those issues remain unaddressed, agencies may continue to experience delays, limited responsiveness, and reduced flexibility in meeting operational needs.

The assumption that agencies will reduce staffing or administrative capacity as a result of this change is also questionable. Agencies will still be required to fill vacancies, maintain compliance, and respond to dynamic workforce demands, particularly those providing critical public services such as transportation, social services, and revenue administration. Any perceived cost savings must be weighed against potential impacts to service delivery, workforce stability, and operational autonomy.

If the intent is increased efficiency or cost containment, has data been examined to demonstrate that a centralized system produces better outcomes? Specifically, have vacancy rates, time-to-hire metrics, service delays, or workforce outcomes been compared across single-system and multi-system models? Without such analysis, claims of inefficiency or redundancy remain speculative.

Finally, this proposal runs counter to a decade-long trend of agencies moving away from centralized personnel administration. It is worth considering whether this legislation reflects a sustainable policy direction or one likely to be reversed by a future administration. Structural workforce decisions should be grounded in evidence, stakeholder input, and long-term operational realities, not assumptions.

West Virginia already has some of the strictest abortion laws in the country. SB 173 adds felony penalties and a private civil enforcement mechanism on top of existing restrictions.

Creating a system that allows private lawsuits with statutory damages, alongside criminal penalties, expands liability beyond clear medical regulation and into litigation-based enforcement.

Regardless of one’s position on abortion, structuring healthcare policy around felony exposure and civil penalties risks legal uncertainty and unintended consequences. That is not sound governance.

I respectfully urge the House Judiciary Committee to reject SB 173.

WV HB 4797 is an embarrassing waste of legislative time that elevates a divisive political pundit over the real needs of West Virginians. Creating a “Charlie Kirk Memorial First Amendment Freedom Act” and a special “First Amendment Freedom of Speech Day” while families struggle with child care, healthcare, and basic economic security feels like a slap in the face to those who actually live with the consequences of lawmakers’ neglect. Instead of addressing jobs, schools, infrastructure, and the cost of living, this bill caters to culture-war theatrics, and I find it deeply DISGUSTING that our legislature would prioritize symbolic praise for a controversial figure over meaningful work for the people of this state. I strongly recommend this ridiculous bill be scrapped immediately so as not to further waste taxpayer dollars which should be focused on bills that actually help West Virginia citizens.  

I am writing in strong support of HB 5345, bipartisan legislation requiring enrollment-based childcare subsidy payments.

In my role in the healthcare and Mediciad sector, I work closely with members, communities, and families every day. I see firsthand that childcare is not a “nice-to-have”—it is foundational to employment stability and economic mobility. Time and time again, families identify the same barrier to entering or staying in the workforce: they cannot work if they cannot secure reliable childcare.

HB 5345 addresses a key structural problem that is undermining childcare access across West Virginia. Childcare providers operate with fixed costs that do not change hour by hour. Staffing ratios must be met, staff must be paid, and facilities must remain open and compliant—regardless of whether a child attends for part of the day or is absent. The current attendance-based reimbursement approach relies on an outdated hourly conversion model that does not reflect the true cost of delivering care, creating instability for providers and uncertainty for families.

Enrollment-based payments provide the stability and predictability providers need to budget responsibly, retain qualified staff, and keep classrooms open. When providers can sustain operations, families have more consistent access to care—supporting parents and caregivers in maintaining employment, pursuing education, and meeting basic needs.

Codifying this structure in state law is also a prudent step to protect providers and families in the event federal policy shifts in the future. A sustainable childcare system is essential to supporting West Virginia’s workforce and economic growth.

HB 5345 is a practical, necessary step toward strengthening childcare access and provider stability across our state. I urge lawmakers to vote YES on HB 5345.

1. Please do not increase funding for charter schools. Our public schools are deserving of greater funds and as a tax paying citizen I’d like my hard earned dollars going to them.

Dear Members of the West Virginia House Health & Human Resources Committee,

As the CEO of the Southern Association of Wholesale Distributors, I unequivocally support House Bill 5437,

Creating E-cigarette and E-cigarette Liquid Directory, currently under consideration. This legislation

represents a vital step towards ensuring the safety and integrity of the vapor product industry, and we

believe it is imperative for the well-being of our communities.

The Southern is an over 100-year-old association whose members face common challenges in the

southeast. Many members of the SAWD are family-owned multigenerational businesses that have served

their communities for decades.

By establishing a centralized database of vapor products sold in West Virginia, this legislation will enable

authorities to identify and track bad actors who seek to profit from the sale of illegal and potentially

harmful products. The state of West Virginia must hold retailers and vape shops accountable and ensure

they are selling legal, regulated products.

The supply of illegal Chinese-flavored disposable vapes flooding the market poses a significant threat to

public health and safety. These unregulated products often contain undisclosed ingredients and target our

youth with their enticing flavors and colorful packaging. House Bill 5437 will empower law enforcement

agencies to identify and remove these illegal products from circulation, protecting consumers from

potential harm.

House Bill 5437 represents a critical opportunity to address the pressing public health concerns associated

with youth vaping and the proliferation of illegal vaping products. As responsible stakeholders in the vapor

product industry, the Southern Association of Wholesale Distributors urges policymakers to prioritize the

passage and implementation of this important legislation. Together, we can protect our communities and

safeguard the health and well-being of our citizens.

Sincerely,

VJ Mayor, CAE

vjmayor@asginfo.net

CEO, Southern Association of Wholesale Distributors  

No, just no