West Virginia House Bill HCR93

West Virginia 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/25/22
• Refer: 2/25/22

Caption

Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study ways that allow the West Virginia Economic Development Authority (“EDA”) to target companies and have them move to West Virginia without having to go through the Legislative process for every job announcement.

Impact

The resolution's passage could have significant implications for state laws governing economic development. Currently, any job announcements often require legislative involvement, which can slow down the process of attracting companies. HCR93 aims to alleviate this requirement, thereby potentially streamlining operations for the EDA. Enhanced flexibility for the EDA in targeting specific businesses may lead to a more efficient way of enhancing job opportunities in West Virginia, especially amidst competition from neighbors like Ohio, which successfully attracted large firms such as Intel.

Summary

HCR93 is a House Concurrent Resolution that calls for the Joint Committee on Government and Finance of West Virginia to conduct a study on methods that would allow the West Virginia Economic Development Authority (EDA) to incentivize companies to relocate to West Virginia. The resolution seeks to simplify the current legislative approval process required for every job announcement by the EDA, thereby enabling quicker decisions to attract businesses to the state. This approach is seen as a means to bolster the state's economic landscape, making it more appealing to both large corporations and mid-sized companies looking to establish operations in West Virginia.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding HCR93 seems to be positive among its proponents, who include several delegates advocating for better economic strategies in the state. Supporters believe the resolution would empower the EDA to be more proactive in securing new businesses, thereby driving job creation and stimulating the local economy. Critics, however, may raise concerns regarding the reduced oversight by the legislature and the potential for hasty decisions to attract companies without adequate consideration of long-term impacts.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise around the implications of allowing the EDA more unfettered access to attract companies. Opponents might argue that bypassing the legislative process could lead to questionable job quality or incentives offered to companies. Furthermore, the discussions on studying the frameworks of surrounding states like Texas and Florida could invite comparisons and debates about best practices, raising concerns over whether what works in another state would align with the unique needs of West Virginia.