HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 63

(By Delegates Michael, Doyle, Leach, Campbell, Proudfoot, Ashley, Anderson, H. White, Carmichael, Stalnaker, Frederick, Evans, Hall, Susman, G. White, Browning, Border, Warner, and Boggs)

(Originating in the Committee on Finance)

[February 27, 2003]


Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance conduct a study of the Public Employees Insurance Agency and its current benefit structure providing full coverage for pre-medicare retirees and medicare retirees which is significantly subsidized by state appropriations.

Whereas, The cost of the pre-medicare retiree subsidy is eighty-two million dollars in two thousand three and will increase to one hundred eighty-two million dollars by two thousand seven; and
Whereas, The revenue of the state is limited by minimal tax growth; and
Whereas, The available revenue will no longer meet the burden of currently established subsidies; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Legislature hereby requests the Joint Committee on Government and Finance conduct a study on this issue with consideration of the fiscal resources of the state and fairness to the employees of the state
; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2004, 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 the legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.