HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 93

(By Delegate Rowan)

[Introduced April 5, 2021]

Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study ongoing issues relating to providing resources and processes to support and assist “Grandfamilies” caring for minor children in West Virginia.

Whereas, Approximately 35,000 West Virginian children under the age of 18 live with grandparents; and

Whereas, Approximately 21,000 grandparents are householders responsible for their grandchildren who live with them; and

Whereas, Approximately 46.5% of these grandparents are in the workforce; and

Whereas, Approximately  20.9% of these grandparents are in poverty; and

Whereas, Federal and state public benefits programs can help with income, food, healthcare, home energy, and other needs for eligible grandfamilies; and

Whereas, Application for federal financial aid for college education continues to be a challenge for minors living with grandfamilies; and

Whereas, There should be multiple processes for grandparents in grandfamily arrangements to easily obtain financial and emotional support, respective forms for assistance programs, and leadership tools for grandfamilies; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to study ongoing issues relating to providing resources and processes to support and assist “Grandfamilies” caring for minor children in West Virginia; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to research the feasibility of revisions to state law that could help facilitate minors living with grandfamilies in their applications for federal financial aid for college education; and, be it

Further Resolved, That not later than sixty days prior to the beginning of the 2022 regular session of the Legislature, the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report 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 a study, prepare reports, and draft necessary legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.