Business, Government Legal News from throughout WVOPEB bill’s passage is step in right direction

We often are critical of our elected leaders, specifically our state Legislature. But we also think it's important to give credit where credit is due.

Lawmakers' swift and decisive action this session concerning our state's other post employment benefits, or OPEB, is a great example of everyone getting on the same page and working together for the good of the people. Rather than play politics and pander to the special interests, lawmakers addressed a monumental challenge with direction, diligence and compromise.

Sen. Herb Synder, D-Jefferson, said he and his fellow lawmakers can "hold our heads high on this vote." He is 100 percent correct. The state could have buckled under this debt had we allowed it to fester. Now we've got a plan and a way to save the next generation from being forced to deal with our burden. 

Vision, leadership and courage are generally in short supply from so many of our lawmakers, but this was a shining moment. For whatever reason, passing this bill likely will not make headlines back home. It's not a new roof for a community center or something else that will get lawmakers' photos on the front page of the local paper. However, dealing with the OPEB debt is good governance, plain and simple.

Our elected leaders went into full problem-solving mode and came away with a solution. Was it easy? Not likely. But we don't send these men and women to Charleston to do what's easy.

Dealing with OPEB is just one piece of the puzzle. Much still must be done to move this state forward. We still need a tax code that encourages investment and rewards enterprise and entrepreneurship. We need a legal system that prizes fairness and gives everyone a shot at justice. We need an educational dynamic that prepares our students for life in the global economy and offers workers 21st century skills. 

For the first time in a long time, West Virginia's economic prospects look bright. We have a chance to remain a national leader in energy production and enhance our already solid reputation as a travel destination. We need our lawmakers to embrace the future and do all they can to give West Virginia a chance to compete with the rest of the world. 

It's clear that when they set aside agendas and personal ambitions, they can come together and do what's right. We have certainly earned the right to work toward prosperity. Let's hope they show some courage and give us chance to make a better life for ourselves and our families.