West Virginia Senate Bill SB731

West Virginia 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/4/22
• Refer: 3/4/22
• Report Pass: 3/8/22
• Engrossed: 3/11/22
• Enrolled: 3/12/22
• Passed: 3/18/22
• Chaptered: 4/20/22

Caption

Making supplementary appropriation to Department of Tourism, Tourism Workforce Development Fund

Impact

The enactment of SB731 will directly result in the allocation of approximately $5,148,017 in federal coronavirus pandemic funds to the Department of Tourism. This financial backing is crucial for supporting workforce development programs, which are expected to facilitate job creation and skills training in the tourism industry. The bill is structured to benefit various stakeholders in the sector, thereby promoting economic recovery in regions heavily reliant on tourism revenues.

Summary

Senate Bill 731 is a legislative act from the West Virginia legislature aimed at making a supplementary appropriation from federal funds to enhance the Tourism Workforce Development Fund. The bill recognizes the availability of federal moneys that are unappropriated for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022, specifically targeting funds that are key to recovering from the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic. By supplementing the funds, the bill seeks to strengthen tourism-related workforce initiatives, important for revitalizing this sector in the aftermath of the pandemic.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB731 appears to be largely positive, with bipartisan support evidenced by the bill passing with an overwhelming majority of 88 votes in favor and only 3 against during the voting session. The emphasis on utilizing federal funds effectively to bolster tourism demonstrates a shared understanding among legislators about the importance of this sector for the state's economy. The swift passage of the bill reflects a collective commitment to addressing the challenges posed by the pandemic.

Contention

While SB731 received wide support, there may be some underlying concerns regarding the prioritization of funds and the implementation of tourism workforce initiatives. Critics argue that while the intention is commendable, there should be a transparent framework ensuring that these funds are deployed effectively and reach the communities most affected by the pandemic. The discussions around the bill indicate a need for continuous monitoring and evaluation of the impacts of the appropriation to ensure accountability and success in workforce development.