West Virginia House Bill HB4720

West Virginia 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/15/22
• Refer: 2/15/22

Caption

Supplementing and amending the appropriations to the Executive, Governor’s Office – Civil Contingent Fund

Impact

The primary impact of HB 4720 is the financial support it provides for the Governor's Office, specifically targeting local economic development initiatives. By supplementing the existing appropriations, the bill allows state officials to enhance their capacity to respond to local funding needs, thus potentially fostering community development and growth. The allocation from the unappropriated balance of the Treasury indicates a proactive approach toward leveraging state funds effectively during the fiscal year.

Summary

House Bill 4720 is a legislative proposal introduced to amend and supplement appropriations from the State Fund, General Revenue to the Executive's Civil Contingent Fund for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022. The bill seeks to allocate an additional $15 million towards local economic development assistance as part of the state’s budgetary provisions. This measure was introduced by Delegates Hanshaw and Skaff on February 15, 2022, and was referred to the Committee on Finance for further consideration.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 4720 appears to be generally supportive, particularly among those advocating for economic development. Proponents of the bill emphasize the importance of providing adequate resources to local governing bodies, enabling them to implement initiatives that can drive economic growth. This positive view reflects a broader trend of prioritizing economic support during times of fiscal planning.

Contention

Despite the support for the bill, there may be underlying concerns regarding the appropriateness of using unappropriated funds in this manner, including arguments about fiscal responsibility and the potential need for oversight in how such funds are utilized. The bill may also face scrutiny over whether the expedited appropriations process may overlook essential community needs based on local input.