W.Va. Chamber Applauds West Virginia House’s New Rule on Economic Impact Statement

January 14, 2015

Charleston, W.Va. – The West Virginia Chamber of Commerce applauds the leadership of the West Virginia Legislature on passing a new rule that will allow the Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate to request an economic impact statement on legislation. The rule passed both houses during Wednesday’s floor sessions.

Chamber President Steve Roberts stated, “Since 1996 the West Virginia Chamber has embraced the concept of a Jobs Impact Statement. Allowing such a statement to be requested will give legislators additional information when considering bills and their potential impact on jobs and the economy in our state.” Some members of the minority party in the House attempted to amend the rules change, which would have made it more difficult to get information on the economic impact on all West Virginians that a bill would have had. . Roberts continued, “Many of the House members who attempted to amend the rules change today are the same members who blocked this bill in the House two years ago, despite it passing unanimously in the West Virginia Senate. It is unfortunate that they believe it acceptable to limit the amount of information available to legislators.”

The West Virginia Chamber would like to express deep appreciation to the West Virginia Legislature for bringing an 18-year old vision to fruition.