Advisory Committee Another Safeguard In Managing Pension Debt

Governor Manchin Respects the Vote of the People: Turns Attention to "Responsible Government" Initiatives

Gov. Joe Manchin responded to the results of Saturday's Pension Bond election with a message of respect for those who took the time to cast a ballot. Says Manchin, "I made it clear from the very beginning that I felt the people of West Virginia should be given the opportunity to vote as to how they want the state to address our existing debts. They did so today, and I respect their decision."

When asked if he would seek to hold another Pension Bond election in the future, Manchin responded, "No. As I've said all along, this issue does not significantly affect my administration. Therefore, now that the voters have spoken, it's time to move on. It will be up to future governors and legislators to address this further down the road. I will now turn my attentions back to my administration's ‘responsible government' initiatives aimed at managing state government as efficiently and effectively as possible - which is something you will be hearing much more about in the weeks to come."

"In addition," said the Governor, "even though I truly believed it was in the best interests of the long-term future of the state to have the ability to better manage our existing debts, I remain confident that we are still making great strides in West Virginia today when it comes to getting our financial house in order. With the passage of comprehensive Workers' Comp reforms, pension reforms, insurance reforms and civil justice reforms all within just the past six months, our state has put the country, and the world, on notice that we are open for business. The future remains bright for our state, and we will continue to do everything possible to grow our economy and create and retain the good paying jobs with health care benefits that the people of this state deserve."

The Governor also hopes to continue to work with the coalition of businesses, laborers, educators, bankers, retirees and others who came together to support the Pension Bond Amendment. "These organizations represent a large number of West Virginians with a great deal to offer, and if we continue to work together as a team on issues that are important to this state, we will definitely be a better state for it," said Manchin.

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