HCR82 Intr



HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 82

(By Delegates Hubbard, Cann, Tucker, Frederick, Mezzatesta, Williams, Angotti, Beach, Browning, Canterbury, Caputo, Carmichael, Coleman, Craig, DeLong, Dempsey, Ellem, Ennis, Fahey, Fox, Fragale, Givens, Kuhn, Louisos, Mahan, Manchin, Martin, Morgan, Overington, Paxton, Pethtel, Poling, Prunty, Stephens, Swartzmiller, Walters, Webb, C. White and G. White)


(Originating in the Committee on Industry and Labor, Economic Development and Small Business)


[Introduced April 11, 2001; referred to the

Committee on Rules.]


Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to conduct a study of the effects of foreign steel on the steel industry and the West Virginia State tax base which affects education.

 W HEREAS , The continued unfair and unlawful dumping of steel by foreign nations has placed the West Virginia steel industry at risk despite their exemplary efforts to modernize, improve productivity and comply with environmental standards; and
W HEREAS , This unfair practice has caused the steel industries and communities of the State of West Virginia to experience severe job layoffs, devastating and far-reaching community impacts, and a significant loss of its economic tax base; and
W HEREAS , This harbinger of economic downturn and loss of tax dollars directly effects West Virginia steel communities and educational systems and opportunities of students within these communities; and
W HEREAS , Matters such as high student turnover rates, severe program and budgetary cutbacks, and other areas are among the significant concessions which with these communities have to contend; and
W HEREAS , It is in the best interest of the Legislature to continue to generate good paying jobs for the hardworking steelworkers of West Virginia, provide a strong tax base for its communities and schools, and continue to strengthen national security through its steel industries; and
W HEREAS , The Legislature needs accurate information regarding the stability of its tax base and the continued need of a stable steel industry and the preservation of its productive capacity for the continuation of the educational needs of the State; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to study the effects and impacts of foreign steel on the steel industry and the West Virginia State tax base which affects education; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2002, 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.