West Virginia House Bill HB2165

West Virginia 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/23
• Refer: 1/11/23

Caption

A bill dedicating 25 percent of insurance tax revenue to the PEIA Rainy Day Fund.

Impact

If enacted, HB2165 would significantly impact how funds generated from insurance premium taxes are allocated within the state. By channeling a portion of this revenue directly into the PEIA Rainy Day Fund, the bill ultimately aims to enhance the financial sustainability of public employee health benefits. This shift in funding priorities could improve overall access to healthcare for state workers and their families, while also reinforcing fiscal responsibility within state-managed insurance programs.

Summary

House Bill 2165 proposes to amend the Code of West Virginia by dedicating 25 percent of the annual insurance premium tax revenue to the Public Employees Insurance Agency (PEIA) Rainy Day Fund. The intent behind this legislation is to provide a stable source of funding to support public employees' health insurance programs, ensuring that these services remain reliable and adequately funded. This action represents a strategic approach to bolster the financial health of vital public employee benefits in West Virginia.

Sentiment

Discussion around the bill indicates a generally positive sentiment among supporters, who see it as a vital measure to safeguard the health benefits of public employees. Advocates argue that the bill exemplifies a commitment to protecting state employees and their families from potential financial instability regarding their health insurance. However, there may be concerns from budget hawks regarding the long-term implications of designating a significant portion of tax revenues, sparking debate on financial viability and state governance.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support, it may also present points of contention regarding budget allocations and prioritization of funds. Critics might express concerns about the dependency on insurance premium tax revenues and question whether this allocation could lead to shortfalls in other necessary areas, such as education or infrastructure. As such, the bill's passage would likely initiate discussions about the appropriate balance between funding public employee benefits and ensuring comprehensive state resource management.