Something to Think About
Don Michael, WVFB Director of Governmental Affairs
Much discussion
continues to take place
regarding House Bill #2688
(lease integration/forced
pooling legislation) – support
for the legislation, positive
suggestions for improving
the legislation, negative
comments on any type of
pooling legislation, etc.
Unless something significant develops regarding
the crafting of future legislation, the topic will no
longer appear in this monthly column. In leaving
the topic in the rearview mirror, I will impart
three facts. Fact #1 – HB #2688 was consistent
with policy approved by our members, as well as
Farm Bureau’s leadership, and created significant
gains and opportunities for members. Fact #2 –
HB #2688 is dead! Fact #3 – This issue is not
going away! The topic and related issues will
continue to be debated and draft legislation will
surface again, perhaps at a Special Session or a
Regular Session in the years to come. But make
no mistake, it will return. Varying circumstances
within and outside of the legislative process will
determine the extent to which Farm Bureau can
affect the final product. The glaring question –
Will Farm Bureau be able to maintain a unified
position of strength on the topic?
Sixty-two topics have been selected for
Legislative Interim Study as lawmakers look
ahead to the 2016 Legislative Session. Lease
Integration is among the mix. Following are a
sampling of topics garnering interest from Farm
Bureau members: Joint Commission on Economic
Development – Statewide Fiber Optic Broadband
Infrastructure Network and Strategies to Assist
and Attract Small Businesses; Joint Committee
on Health – Drug Testing for Welfare Recipients
and/or for Teens Obtaining a Driver’s License;
Joint Committee on Tax Reform – Comprehensive
Tax Reform, Undeveloped Land Preservation and
Conservation Tax Credit, Highway and Bridge
Revenue Sources, Public School Finance, and
Increase in Homestead Exemption; Joint Standing
Committee on Education – Common Core and
Charter Schools; Joint Standing Committee on
Energy – Lease Integration and Leasing of Oil and
Gas Mineral Rights on State Lands; Joint Standing
Committee on Finance – Study of Increase
of State Government Budget and Spending
Transparency and Cedar Lakes Funding; Joint
Standing Committee on Government Organization
– Public Access to All Ordinances, Rules and
Regulations Adopted by a County Commission
in One Location; Joint Standing Committee on
Pensions and Retirement – Needs, Challenges,
and Issues Facing Municipalities in this State as
to the Funding of Their Police and Firefighter
Pension Plans; and Joint Committee on the
Judiciary – Right-to-Work and Voter ID. Topics
will be discussed during Interims set for June 7-8,
September 13-14, October 18-19, and November
15-16. As Interim dates near, agendas can be
accessed via the Legislative Website – www.legis.
state.wv.us. Once on the site, click on “Joint,”
then “Interim Committees,” and click on the date
of the pending Interim Committee Meeting. Note:
Most agendas are not accessible until within a
week or less of the meeting.
In closing I want to share the delightful
opportunity I had last month to once again assist
with judging for the annual Ritchie County Farm
Bureau Youth Speech Competition. A record
19 contestants participated . . . yes, nineteen!
The judges, event organizers, donors and guests
involved were treated to an impressive display
of commitment and talent from energetic young
leaders who are destined for great things in the
years to come. Equally impressive was the fact
that each sacrificed a “sunny” Sunday afternoon
to compete. It was truly a heartwarming
experience providing “good vibes” for America’s
future. Thanks again to all who made this youth
showcase a huge success, especially the young
performers! Until next time – KEEP SMILING
FRIENDS, God bless you and [