After making the difficult decisions to change direction in West Virginia by rejecting the tired, old policies of the past and adopting a new pro-growth, pro-jobs agenda, I am pleased to report that the fruits of our three-year efforts have put our state on a strong winning streak. Consider the last few months: When looking at the bigger picture, the last few months are even more encouraging. Last week, Workforce West Virginia released its monthly data, and my, what a difference a year makes. According to their data, since September 2016, West Virginia’s total nonfarm payroll employment has increased by 3,000. That increase includes 3,100 mining and logging jobs, 900 construction jobs, 200 financial services jobs, 100 professional and business services jobs, and 3,400 educational and health services jobs. Although some of our employment sectors saw some losses, it’s clear new opportunities are springing up left and right. What do I believe all of this is telling us? I believe that the changes we have worked hard to bring to West Virginia as a Republican majority are finally paying off. For all of the naysayers who repeatedly asked us, “Where are the jobs?” I would tell you to look all around you. They’re here, and more are on the way. These numbers are outstanding, and they don’t even reflect the direct and indirect jobs and investment we expect to see as a result of the passage of the Roads to Prosperity Amendment. In three short legislative sessions, the Republican majority has moved West Virginia forward light years in terms of making this state the kind of place any business or industry would want to locate. Just a few of those ways include: All of this gives us in the Senate tremendous hope and energy as we prepare for the upcoming legislative session. Now is not the time for us to let up on the gas. Rather, it’s the perfect time to accelerate our efforts to make West Virginia the best place in the world to live, work, start or expand a business, and raise a family. All of the pieces are finally in place. It’s time to start enjoying the victories. Senate President Mitch Carmichael, R-Jackson, represents the Fourth Senatorial District, which includes Jackson, Mason, and parts of Putnam and Roane counties.
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