Release from the office of the Auditor:
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – State Auditor John B. McCuskey issued the following statement after the introduction of House Bill 4189, by Delegates Moore Capito and Eric Nelson, requiring the State and County Boards of Education pay employees up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave coinciding with the birth, adoption or fostering of a child. Similar policies have been adopted by the federal government, and many leading corporations.
“It is more difficult every day to encourage young people to stay in West Virginia. This is even more difficult suggesting they enter government service,” McCuskey said. “This policy is a step in the right direction to entice teachers to stay in West Virginia and attract other professionals to enter public service without sacrificing time with their families.
In the past, many state employees made the decision to work for government at lower pay in order to receive incredible benefits. Over time, however, the pay decreased as did commensurate
benefits. Legislation like H.B. 4189 only builds upon the historic pay increases of 2018 and 2019 to return to that reality and rebuild our government service.” McCuskey added.
McCuskey supports the legislation and was proud to work with both Delegate Capito and Delegate Nelson in the conception and drafting of the Bill. “I look forward to working with both delegates and the entire legislature to finalize passage of House Bill 4189 and implementing this pro family policy in a financially responsible way,” McCuskey said.
