CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Board of Education unanimously passed a resolution supporting public school employees in the face of rising health care costs tied to the Public Employees Insurance Agency (PEIA).
The resolution, passed during the board’s meeting last week, joins similar resolutions already approved by all 55 county boards of education. It urges swift action to stabilize the state-run health insurance program, which is slated for significant cost increases starting July 1.
Beginning this summer, employees covered under PEIA will see a 14% increase in premiums and deductibles, a development that has sparked concern among educators and school staff statewide.
Governor Patrick Morrisey has pledged to address the PEIA crisis during a special legislative session this summer, although a specific date has yet to be announced.
The state Board of Education will forward copies of the resolution to the governor’s office and the state legislature.
