Editorial: State Businesses Deserve A Hearing

The best economic consultants are the people who face the realities

Charleston Daily Mail, January 3, 2006

Teachers, children, the silver-haired and even motorcyclists seem to be at the front of the line when it comes to matters at the Statehouse. But who consults the people who move the state's economy, employ the people, and pay the taxes?

The West Virginia Chamber of Commerce surveyed its members to find out what their concerns are. Legislators and Gov. Joe Manchin should hear business out. A state that is "open for business" needs to get businesses' side of the equation.

RMS Strategies conducted the survey for the chamber. It found that businesses are mainly positive about the state. The survey showed that three-quarters of business officials say the state is on the right track.

Manchin received a favorable rating from more than 80 percent of those surveyed, while Attorney General Darrell McGraw and the state's courts received positive ratings from less than a third of those surveyed.

The key issues are tax reform, legal reform, health care and workers' comp reform. But one size does not fit all businesses. That is important to bear in mind.

Tax reform is most important to small businesses, while legal reform is most important to natural resource companies.

And while workers' comp is a concern, the survey found that more than 90 percent of the businesses surveyed believe the privatization of workers' comp and other reforms will have a positive impact on the state's business climate and the attraction of new businesses.

The survey found overwhelming opposition to collective bargaining or "meet and consult" for public employees. In light of the recent illegal strike by transit workers in New York City, that opposition is warranted.

"The findings of the survey project will be helpful to the leaders and staff of the West Virginia Chamber as we prepare for the 2006 legislative session and 2006 election season," said Steve Roberts, president of the state chamber.

The findings also should help the governor and legislative leaders.