"The Virtual Center for Independent Living for West Virginia""The Virtual Center for Independent Living for West Virginia"Home > Advocacy in Action > Legislative Priorities 2009
Logo description: Outline of the state of West Virginia including the universal symbol for disability.
Title: WV Centers for Independent Living.
Tag line: Advocating for People with Disabilities.
Governor Manchin called for an extension to this year's legislative sessions in order to address the 2010 budget, supplemental appropriations and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. West Virginia is expected to receive 1.8 billion dollars in stimulus money.
The West Virginia State Constitution states that the legislature must adopt a state balanced budget each year in order to ensure fiscal stability. Governor Manchin has already asked that the proposed budget be trimmed by over 4% from the original proposal. Lawmakers will return to the capital on May 26 to begin reviewing the budget and how the stimulus money can be allocated to help balance the budget.
There were 2,113 bills introduced this session, 226 bills completed legislation and 106 of these bills have been signed by the Governor. Some of these bills include:
The Governor vetoed HB 3288 Mental Health Parity. The bill prohibits group health plans that offer mental health and substance abuse treatment coverage from imposing treatment limitations and financial requirements on mental health and substance abuse benefits that are stricter than those for medical and surgical benefits. Read Governor Manchin's statement regarding mental health care.
David Sanders from the WV Mental Health Consumer's Association said "I am very disappointed and discouraged by the veto, however I would like to see this issue addressed in the upcoming legislative session beginning later this month. I don't think the Governor is opposed to parity since three years ago he made provisions of parity permanent in West Virginia by removing the sunset provision".
The WV Centers for Independent Living and other advocates will be monitoring this extended session closely to see how the Governor's proposed budget cuts for 2010 will impact West Virginians with disabilities.
The West Virginia Centers for Independent Living (WVCIL) is a joint collaboration of all centers for independent living (see a list of all centers) in West Virginia.
The following are selected success stories of West Virginians who have been served by the Community Living Services Program:
Health and Healthcare:
Read more on this Web site about health issues and West Virginians:
