Several union leaders in West Virginia are speaking out against a bill that aims to abolish the Public Employee Insurance Agency (PEIA). The bill, introduced by Republican Delegate Larry D. Kump, would eliminate PEIA and replace it with a new health insurance program.
During a recent press conference, leaders from various unions including the West Virginia Education Association and West Virginia Public Workers Union voiced their concerns about the potential impact of the bill on public employees. They argued that abolishing PEIA would result in higher healthcare costs and reduced benefits for state workers.
According to union leaders, PEIA has been an essential resource for public employees in West Virginia, providing affordable and comprehensive healthcare coverage. They believe that eliminating PEIA would be a significant blow to state workers who rely on the program for their healthcare needs.
The union leaders called for a comprehensive review of the bill and urged legislators to consider the implications of abolishing PEIA. They emphasized the importance of maintaining affordable healthcare options for public employees and ensuring that any changes to the healthcare system are made in the best interest of workers.
In response to the concerns raised by union leaders, Delegate Kump defended his bill, stating that it aims to address issues with PEIA and create a more sustainable healthcare system for state employees. However, union leaders remain skeptical of the proposed changes and are committed to advocating for the preservation of PEIA.
As the debate over the bill continues, union leaders are calling on legislators to listen to the concerns of public employees and work towards a solution that protects their healthcare interests. They are determined to fight against the abolition of PEIA and ensure that state workers continue to have access to affordable and reliable healthcare coverage.
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