Editorial: Improving Economy Must Top Legislative Agenda

The Herald-Dispatch, January 7, 2007

As the West Virginia Legislature prepares for its 2007 regular session, which begins Wednesday, let's talk about the one issue that should dominate discussion: West Virginia's economy still needs help. Economic opportunities are limited. Hot new industries develop elsewhere, not often here. If West Virginia were a place for innovation and growth, we would have an entirely different set of problems than we do now.

Consider this: From 1950 to 2006, West Virginia 's population declined by 187,082, or about 9 percent. It was the only state in the nation to have a net population loss in that time. At least 19 states doubled in population, but West Virginia was the only one to decline. Even North Dakota , the Great Plains state whose population trends often are similar to West Virginia 's, had a gain in those 56 years.

Some of the most talked about issues for the upcoming session pale in comparison. ATVs on paved roads in isolated areas. Allowing table games at the state's four racetrack casinos. The "Open for Business" slogan. Whether the state's excise tax on gasoline should have been allowed to increase by 4.9 cents per gallon this month.

Each deserves attention, but we hope they don't become diversions from the real problem: Compared to most of the United States , West Virginia is falling behind. Yes, the population has remained fairly stable the past 50 years while other states' have grown, and people can afford their cell phones, cable TV and air conditioners. But don't let those mask the fact that if you want to live in an area with a diversity of economic opportunities and a myriad of ways to use your talents and skills, you're not likely to find that place in West Virginia ?

That prosperity, however, is not far away. In fact, most of the places in West Virginia that are growing are along the Virginia border, aided by that state's job market and better business climate.

Real economic growth will solve most of West Virginia 's problems. Real growth requires an available, educated work force with access to state-of-the-art equipment. It requires a tax and regulatory climate that encourages growth, not punishes it. It also will require investment in programs such as the state's Vision 2015 plan, a push for technology-based economic development that would increase research and innovation at Marshall and WVU.

This session of the Legislature could be very revealing. Given the results of the 2006 election, the new legislative leadership will be tested on its approach to the future. Can these leaders look beyond the opportunities for gambling and sow the seeds of economic opportunity and innovation.

Let's see how Gov. Joe Manchin works with a Legislature that has a stronger Democratic majority than he had in the first two years of his term.

Let's see how the new House of Delegates leadership under Speaker Rick Thompson, D-Wayne, handles the hot-button issues such as gambling and ATVs versus the long-term issues such as tax reform. And how the intact Senate leadership handles them.

We urge the legislature to keep its eye on the big picture.