HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 103

(By Delegates Cooper, Ellington, Evans, Hamrick, Kelly, Kurcaba, Rowan, Campbell, Hicks, Moye, Rodighiero, Trecost, and Espinosa)

[Originating in the Committee on Education; Reported on March 7, 2016]

Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to conduct an interim study on the educational impact and budgetary and funding formula consequences of Education Savings Accounts.

            Whereas, Education is the key to citizens enjoying a productive, fulfilling life; and

            Whereas, West Virginians cherish their children and strive to provide them with a bright future; and

            Whereas, In 2015, 74 percent of West Virginia’s students were in the lower socio economic status; and

            Whereas, The proficiency rate, an indicator of West Virginia students’ performance, clearly indicates that many students are not achieving at satisfactory levels; and

            Whereas, It is in the state’s interest to explore all opportunities for improving educational outcomes; and

            Whereas, Education Savings Accounts are the most flexible and effective means of school choice; and

            Whereas, Education Savings Accounts significantly increase parental satisfaction with their child’s education; and

            Whereas, Only through a truly competitive educational system can education consumers be empowered; and

Whereas, Twenty-nine states have enacted over 50 school choice programs; therefore be it

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to conduct an interim study on the educational impact and budgetary and funding formula consequences of Education Savings Accounts; and be it

Further Resolved, That a report of the findings, conclusions and recommendations of the study, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate the recommendations be reported to the Legislature at its 2017 Regular Session; and be it

Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report and draft necessary legislation are requested to be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.