Independent Living Funding

The regular session of the 2007 WV Legislature adjourned on March 10, 2007 at midnight. On March 7, 2007 Governor Manchin issued a proclamation to extend the session to address the Budget Bill. The Budget Bill passed both Houses on March 18, 2007.

During the 2007 session, a total of 2,037 bills were introduced - 761 in the House and 1,276 in the Senate. 273 bills completed legislation. To date 84 bills have been signed by the Governor. Some of these bills include:

SB 412: Providing penalties for hand-held cell phone violations by minor while driving
SB 626: Relating to child advocacy centers
HB 2141: Raising the age at which a person may request to be excused from jury duty from 65 to 70
HB 2380: Exempting the purchase of certain drugs, durable medical goods, etc., from the consumers sales and service tax
HB 2544: Increasing the penalty for driving under the influence causing death
HB 2578: Continuing current mental health parity laws for group insurance plans
HB 2714: Revising requirements for parking areas designated for use by persons with mobility impairments

Visit the West Virginia Legislation Web site to view all bills signed by the Governor.

Budget Bill

The approved budget begins July 1, 2007 and outlines $10 billion in state spending. The budget contains approximately $73 million in pay raises. Some of the budget provisions include:

Salary increases for teachers, state troopers, school service personnel, corrections officers, juvenile service workers, and most other state employees.
$306,000 for a new Division of Energy that was created this session
$150,000 for the WV Elder Watch Program
Maintained $24,000 for Independent Living
Maintained $340,000 for the Ron Yost Personal Assistant Services Program
Maintained $179,000 for the WVDRS Employment Attendant Care Program

Visit the West Virginia Legislation Web site to view the Budget Bill.