SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 49

(By Senators M. Hall, Blair, Boley, Carmichael, Cole, Nohe, Sypolt, Stollings and McCabe)

Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study the impact of the Limited Video Lottery Act on children and poverty in West Virginia.

    Whereas, Since the adoption of the Limited Video Lottery Act, West Virginia has seen an explosion in the number of video lottery machines in operation in West Virginia communities; and

    Whereas, Significant numbers of video lottery machines are operated in convenience stores, restaurants and other establishments frequented by West Virginia consumers and wage earners, rather than at destination resorts and large racetracks; and

    Whereas, Anecdotal observations by clergy members and social service providers in the rural parts of West Virginia indicate that many families are made to suffer because parents spend unreasonably on video lottery; and

    Whereas, The effects of poverty fall disproportionally on children rather than the parents whose actions often impoverish the family; and

    Whereas, Adequate time has passed to allow the effects of the Limited Video Lottery Act to be fully realized in West Virginia; therefore, be it

    Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

    That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to study the impact of the Limited Video Lottery Act on children and poverty in West Virginia; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2014, on its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.