West Virginia: Safer, Healthier, Wealthier

March 19, 2004

By Governor Bob Wise

The recently concluded legislative session resulted in reforms that will help all West Virginians. We've improved the health care system, passed historic safety measures and taken steps to improve the financial stability of our state, communities and families.

Access to affordable health care and insurance is a top priority for West Virginia families. As costs rise, many employers are forced to cut benefits. We've made great progress in recent years: while our state once had one of the highest rates of uninsured children in the nation, the CHIP program has helped us become a national leader.

Unfortunately, far too many adults in West Virginia still lack insurance. Two pieces of legislation I proposed, which the Legislature passed, will address this problem.

The High Risk Pool will allow individuals who cannot buy insurance in the private market, such as those with pre-existing conditions, purchase affordable coverage. Additionally, new legislation will provide access to insurance for those who work in small businesses and cannot access coverage through their employer.

After fighting for all-terrain vehicle safety legislation for over two years, I am pleased that the Legislature enacted West Virginia's first rules governing the use of these machines. The bill I signed will require that children wear protective helmets at all times and restricts the use of ATVs on paved roads. Importantly, it also gives local governments the authority to regulate ATV use in their communities.

Our roads will also be safer thanks to the long-awaited passage of the .08 DUI standard. For far too long, failure to enact this standard cost us federal highway dollars and lives. Today, thanks to the efforts of many dedicated people, our highways are safer.

I also applaud the Legislature for taking action on my agenda to put money into the pockets of West Virginians. Again this August, parents will take advantage of the Sales Tax Holiday, saving money on clothes, school supplies and computers. We will reduce the burden of insurance premiums by implementing a Fraud Unit within the Insurance Commission, and we will reward those brave West Virginians who have served their nation in the Middle East and elsewhere when the voters approve my plan to award a bonus to combat veterans.

We have much more to do to ensure access to jobs, education and health care and to restore the state's fiscal stability. Together, however, we have built a foundation for success in West Virginia in the years to come.