SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 45
(By Senators Minear, Helmick, Hunter, Rowe, Redd, Facemyer,
Caldwell, Mitchell, Ross, Sprouse, Oliverio, Sharpe, Minard,
Edgell, Fanning, Prezioso, McCabe, Unger, Anderson, Bowman,
Wooton, Jackson, Bailey, Craigo, Chafin, Kessler, Love, Boley,
Plymale and Tomblin, Mr. President)
Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study the
cost and availability of health insurance to small businesses
and the factors which mitigate against health insurance being
made available to small businesses' employees.
Whereas, The high cost of health care has left many of the
state's workforce exposed to the real threat of sudden financial
destruction as a result of sickness or an accident in the family;
and
Whereas, Many people suffer this exposure due to the financial
inability of employers to participate in a group health insurance
plan or due to the employers' unwillingness for profit motives to
do so; and
Whereas, The state has a vested interest in maintaining a
healthy workforce and one which is free of the threat of financial
catastrophe; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is
requested to study the cost and availability of health insurance to
small businesses and the factors which mitigate against health
insurance being made available to small businesses' employees and
to make recommendations to the Legislature regarding the same; 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.