SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 68

(By Senators Unger, Palumbo, Plymale, Snyder, Stollings, McCabe, Wells, Jenkins, D. Hall and Laird)

Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to study housing quality and affordability within the state to better meet the needs of all West Virginians regardless of background.

    Whereas, Housing is essential to a community’s economic success, growth and well-being; and

    Whereas, All West Virginians should have access to safe and affordable housing; and

    Whereas, Thirty percent of all children under the age of five in West Virginia are in families with incomes below the poverty level who struggle to find safe and affordable housing; and

    Whereas, Approximately one hundred fifty-nine thousand West Virginia households, both as renters and homeowners, lack adequate, affordable housing; and

    Whereas, It is expected that by 2030 the state’s senior population will increase by an additional one hundred seventy thousand individuals, thus putting new demands on housing that would permit seniors to remain in their homes; and

    Whereas, One third of both owner-occupied homes and rental units were built before 1960, thus increasing the need for new and rehabilitated housing; and

    Whereas, More than five percent of West Virginia homes currently lack complete plumbing, more than double the national average; and

    Whereas, There is an urgent need for a comprehensive housing policy that includes effective partnerships and coordination to achieve the greatest impact from available resources; therefore, be it

    Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

    That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to study housing quality and affordability within the state to better meet the needs of all West Virginians regardless of background; and, be it

    Further resolved, That the West Virginia Housing Policy Group is to provide leadership and organization to this important study; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2015, 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.