SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 64
(By Senator Caldwell)
Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study
transportation needs.
Whereas, West Virginia is a very rural state with many of its
women, elderly, veterans and persons with disabilities living in
areas that are not served by mass transit; and
Whereas, Transportation is an integral part of a person's
ability to maintain a healthy lifestyle; and
Whereas, According to "The Status of Women in the States"
developed by the Institute for Women's Policy Research, as of 2002,
a majority of 58 percent of West Virginia's rural residents live in
areas that are not served by any public transportation, while 23
percent have below-average access to transportation service; and
Whereas, It is the policy of this state to encourage and
promote the development of resources to ensure the effective care
and treatment of persons who are dependent upon the services of
others by reason of age, a physical or mental impairment. A
guiding principle of administration of the laws of this state is
that such persons shall be encouraged and assisted in securing
necessary care, services and treatment; and
Whereas, In recognition that for many persons, such as women,
persons living below the poverty level, elderly, veterans and persons with disabilities, effective care and treatment can only be
secured from proprietary, voluntary and governmental offerings, it
should be the policy of this state to ensure the protection of the
rights and dignity of those using such services and to encourage
and promote the coordination of all agencies, political
subdivisions, proprietary and voluntary offerings; and
Whereas, A coordinated transportation system would increase
efficiency by clustering both passengers and transportation
providers, utilizing fewer one-way trips, providing more needed
services and coordinating the various public and private resources;
therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby
requested to study transportation needs; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and
Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2005, 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.