Swift Approval of Key Legislation
CHARLESTON (WV News) — The West Virginia Senate Government Organization Committee swiftly approved three bills on Thursday morning, supporting Governor Patrick Morrisey’s initiatives to restructure state government.
The committee advanced House Bill 2008, House Bill 2009, and House Bill 2013 to the full Senate with a recommendation for passage.
Key Changes Proposed in the Bills
- HB 2008 proposes transforming the Department of Economic Development into the Division of Economic Development, placing it under the West Virginia Commerce Department.
- HB 2009 aims to dissolve the Department of Arts, Culture, and History, integrating its functions into the Department of Tourism.
- HB 2013 seeks to exempt all new hires in several state departments— including the Bureau of Senior Services, the Department of Administration, the Department of Environmental Protection, the Department of Revenue, and the Department of Veterans Assistance— from the civil service system beginning July 1.
Support and Opposition
Senator Brian Helton, R-Fayette, expressed confidence in the leadership of West Virginia Tourism Secretary Chelsea Ruby, particularly regarding the changes outlined in HB 2009.
“I have personally worked with Chelsea Ruby and the Department of Tourism, and they do a fantastic job,” Helton said. “I think this will result in significant savings for our state and enhance efficiency and effectiveness.”
HB 2008 and HB 2009 include provisions ensuring that employees currently covered under the state’s classified civil service system will retain their status as long as they remain in their current roles.
During House debates, Delegate Sean Hornbuckle, D-Cabell, raised concerns that exempting new hires from civil service protections could make their positions vulnerable.
Controversial Comparisons and Legislative Debate
Hornbuckle compared the bills to initiatives by the federal Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk.
“What you’re about to pass is the state’s version of DOGE, which has already eliminated 62,000 federal jobs,” he warned. “Are we really going to allow mass firings at the governor’s discretion? None of us were elected for this, and I urge you to reject this measure.”
Recent Restructuring Efforts
The proposed bills are part of a broader effort to reorganize state government, following multiple structural changes in recent years.
In February 2021, at the request of then-Governor Jim Justice, the Legislature passed a bill removing the West Virginia Development Office and the West Virginia Tourism Office from the Department of Commerce. That legislation, signed into law in March 2021, established both offices as independent entities within the executive branch and elevated their leaders to Cabinet-level positions.
The West Virginia Department of Commerce currently oversees the Division of Forestry, Division of Labor, Division of Natural Resources, Geological & Economic Survey, Office of Miners’ Health, Safety and Training, WorkForce West Virginia, and the Division of Rehabilitation Services.
Meanwhile, the West Virginia Department of Economic Development manages the Small Business Development Center, Community Advancement and Development, Office of Energy, Division of International Development, Business and Industrial Development, and the Broadband Enhancement Council.
Changes in Arts, Culture, and Education Departments
Last year, lawmakers moved quickly to redesignate the Department of Arts, Culture, and History as a Cabinet-level agency. The bill formalized this change and reclassified the department’s leadership position from curator to Cabinet secretary.
The West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture, and History oversees the State Arts Office, West Virginia State Archives, State Historic Preservation Office, Library Section, West Virginia State Museum, Educational Broadcasting Authority, West Virginia Volunteer Services, and the National Coal Heritage Area Authority.
In 2018, a legislative measure signed by Governor Justice removed the position of secretary of the Department of Education and the Arts. The highest-ranking officials in the West Virginia Department of Education are now the state superintendent of schools and the president of the state board of education.
Looking Ahead: Efficiency vs. Job Security
As these proposed changes move forward in the Senate, debate continues over their potential impact on government efficiency, job security, and cost savings.
