SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 43

(By Senators Helmick and Minear)


Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance make a study of the cost and availability of health insurance to small businesses and those factors which mitigate against health insurance being made available to small businesses' employees.

Whereas, The high cost of health care has left many of the state's work force exposed to the real threat of sudden financial destruction as a result of sickness or accident in the family; and
Whereas, Many of these people suffer this exposure owing to the financial inability of employers to participate in a group health insurance plan or owing to the employers' unwillingness, for profit motives, to do so; and
Whereas, The state has a vested interest in maintaining a healthy work force and one which is free of the threat of catastrophe; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Legislature hereby requests the Joint Committee on Government and Finance make a study of the cost and availability of health insurance to small businesses and those factors which mitigate against health insurance being made available to small businesses' employees and to make recommendations to the Legislature regarding the same; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2001, on its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.