CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Senate President Mitch Carmichael isn’t ready to guarantee an omnibus education bill will be passed in a single day.
“Am I confident? No, I’m not 100 percent confident on it,” Carmichael said in a press conference response to a question about the comprehensive education bill and a second bill focusing on education savings accounts.
Carmichael wants to consider the 144-page omnibus bill and the separate, smaller education savings account bill in one day, Saturday. A draft of the omnibus education bill was distributed last Friday afternoon.
Suspending a rule that requires bills be read on three separate days for passage would require a four fifths, supermajority vote.
Republicans have 20 senators and Democrats have 14. So if all senators are present, suspending that rule would need all Republicans plus eight Democrats.
“I’m appealing to both sides of the aisle who have received the bills and they’ve been thoroughly vetted,” said Carmichael, R-Jackson. “These are concepts that have been reviewed and people are aware of — to come to the Capitol and be ready to work.”
Carmichael cast the situation as a decision between two positions.
“You can be an obstructionist if you want and come to the Capitol and not vote on an issue that you clearly know what it’s about, or you can come here prepared to do the work, save the taxpayer money and make a decision on a bill that you’ve had in your pocket for eight days.”
As Carmichael spoke, his level of confidence apparently rose.
“So I’m hopeful — and confident, really, a little bit, that high-minded public servants will come here to the state Senate and do our work,” he said.
Carmichael acknowledged the alternative would be two more days of Senate floor sessions.
“Backup plan is Sunday, Monday,” he said.
The House of Delegates does not plan to meet during that time. Instead, Speaker Roger Hanshaw sent word to delegates that the House will reconvene at 8:30 a.m. June 17.
The House has broken up into four special committees, and intends to deliberate over individual bills. Hanshaw’s direction includes “any proposals that may be passed by the state Senate by that time.”
Carmichael talked during a 45-minute press conference at the Capitol in a room filled with both reporters and political figures.
Giving the omnibus education bill a push, Carmichael used charts and numbers to describe the condition of West Virginia’s education system.
WV press conference on #NewBigEducationBill https://t.co/kCEyWABCQf
— Brad McElhinny (@BradMcElhinny) May 30, 2019
The bill includes a variety of proposed changes to the education system, including pay raises, charter schools, increased support personnel for schools, open enrollment, incentives to fill in-demand positions and financial support for small or struggling counties.
Senate Education Chairwoman Patricia Rucker, appearing on MetroNews’ “Talkline,” also said she is not certain the bill will pass in one day.
But Rucker said senators have had ample opportunity to consider the bill.
“First of all, I don’t believe we’re rushing through it,” said Rucker, R-Jefferson. “That’s one of the reasons we released it early, gave people plenty of time; we’ve been receiving input.”
Chair of the WV Senate Education Committee, Patricia Rucker (R-Jefferson) talks with @HoppyKercheval about her views on the Student Success Act. WATCH: https://t.co/wkudfIAoe1 pic.twitter.com/jN61XQtqlr
— MetroNews (@WVMetroNews) May 30, 2019
Several members of the Democratic caucus say the omnibus bill needs more consideration than just one day.
Senator John Unger, D-Berkeley, contends the omnibus education bill is unconstitutional, violating the single object rule. He also questions the constitutionality of how charter schools would be authorized.
“Once again, this is a maneuver to deny the teachers and service personnel a pay raise that was promised right before last year’s election,” Unger stated.
“I will not vote to suspend a constitutional rule that requires a bill to be read three separate days on a bill that violates the Constitution.”
Another doubtful vote on suspending the rules is Senator Stephen Baldwin, D-Greenbrier. His preference is to vote on bills that have been introduced separately.
Democrats have submitted seven individual education bills for consideration.
“At this point, I am not inclined to vote to suspend rules,” said Senator Stephen Baldwin, D-Greenbrier. “I don’t know what’s going to happen with the caucus. They’ll vote their own conscience. But personally, I’m not inclined to suspend rules at this point.”
Baldwin made reference to multiple votes on an omnibus education bill during the regular session, as well as questions about procedure at the time. He compared the matter to disciplining a small child.
“I don’t know why we would want to continue to reward bad behavior, this ‘my way or the highway, all or nothing approach. It isn’t working. I don’t know why we keep doing it over and over.”
WV State Senator @baldwinforwv speaks with @HoppyKercheval about the Senate’s special session on education. WATCH: https://t.co/wkudfIAoe1 pic.twitter.com/QU2QigJDWZ
— MetroNews (@WVMetroNews) May 30, 2019