The recent Amendment 1 that was passed by the WV. Republican Party Platform as noted in the Daily Blat on the 18th of July may have a tough time passing with so many in this State on Medicaid and I believe still pays for abortions? Could be wrong, but think I am right?
Abortion is thought by many to be a State's Right Issue versus the Feds as been the case since 1973. I am not an Abortion on Demand fan, but there are several instances when it need to an alternative to carrying a baby to full term. One of the most logical being the life of the Mother should she continue in the pregnancy? Won't go into any others, but just a bit of food for thought?
The as we say "usual suspects" that surfaced yet again by the PEIA to support the Health Insurance Program by again raising taxes is really tiresome. Somewhere along the line, it is only reasonable and logical that they pay more for reduced benefits OR have an option to pay more for a same level of benefits. In either case, the free lunch approach needs some skin in the game. I suggested that they do away with the Premium Tier System based on Salary and do as in the real World by claims in a covered year, no matter the income. This is called Reality and would in and of itself begin to bring coverage stability.
The Teacher's in Truth do make a decent wage after they get the first few years behind them and begin to go through increases based on Salary/ Educational Qualification. But they could go for example to a System that is not an Educational but one as a School Grade. But than by years of service within a grade. A Tier 1 Teacher (whatever Grade), would be a step one in that grade system. But if the Teacher achieved Tier 2 (same Grade), step two, they would get a raise. If they had to spend 2 or 3 years as a Tier 2 before being advanced to Tier 3 (same Grade), they would get an increase on their hire date each year or as determined?
If the Teacher went from teaching the 2d Grade to teaching the 6th, it would probably be more complex in its needs? There they would be a Tier 1, Step 1, with the caveat that they could NOT make less than their prior pay scale to start. That would in most cases bring them to a Step somewhat lower than they had, but because of the pay level would still be more in actual dollars.
And would need to recognize Teacher's that are very what I would call specialized. For example a "special needs" Teacher if I am saying that correctly?
Very similar to what the Feds do. When I retired, I was a Grade 8, Step 5 and earned about $44K/ Year (14 years ago). Had I stayed another 6 months, I would have become a Step 6 with an increase of about $2,100- 2,200/ Year. Really pretty simple and my Health Insurance was based on the contracted price for everyone based on prior year claims, no matter the Salary level. Of course a GS 15 got a much better deal on Premiums versus their Salary compared to a GS1. But the GS1 was expected to advance in Grade and Step over the years.
I am fully aware that the above would cause the Union's to go nuts, but change is usually never a simple thing when dealing with mind sets.
In the ongoing saga of Mr. Loughry, the State Legislature and the Press among others, we have ran into the concept that the Court can be very restrictive to the point of not allowing access to various processes. That apparently is still up in the air as to whether or not the press will be allowed to go on the Grand Tour of the Renovated Justice's Offices. At the moment, the press is still on the outside looking in as far as I can determine?
It should be very obvious, that the lack of money for so many programs is not an issue with the State's top Judiciary.
One could easily think that this State's Government (Branch immaterial)m is all in for Show and a bit slow on Go. Were I in a position, I would put a stop on those types of activities until a very thorough review of need versus twinkly, shiny was completed.
But per the "Our Column" of the 24th in the Daily Blat, a Tour will be allowed between the 1st and 3rd of August. However, some very extreme limitations on what can be photo'd or videoed as far as interior hallways, doorways or windows? Sound a bit paranoid in Truth?
As noted in the Column, there appears to be a disconnect between the mug wumps and the low life's who are paying the bills?
The recent decision to provide free Breakfast and Lunches to every Student in the County gives me a bad taste. I have no problem with assistance for those who can show a need for help in feeding the kids. But the need to show a need is the operative term. Being dirt poor as a kid, there were no programs to help me get Breakfast/ Lunch if I could not afford it did not happen. Could easily be hungry going to school or for sure coming home in the evening.
I realize it is all legal if 40% of the tykes are certified for free meal benefits. Maybe the real issue is what families are doing with their money or what is the issue on decent wages?
So much going on with the Country getting an increase of 4.1% GDP for this last quarter. It shows a tremendous growth for the Nation and I know there have been large bonuses and pay increases for many. What the Hell happened here- again? 'nuff said'.