West Virginia: America's Worst State for Business in 2017

[wvuhskr]

http://www.cnbc.com/2017/07/11/west-virginia-americas-worst-state-for-business-in-2017.html

Key points:

West Virginia workers are the least educated in the nation. Fewer than 12 percent of residents over the age of 25 have a bachelor's degree, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. And state programs to retrain dislocated workers have had limited success. Only about 72 percent of participants found work within three months, according to state figures from 2015, the most recent data available.

Despite all of that, the new state budget contains big cuts in higher education, including cuts of more than 6 percent at the state's largest public universities — West Virginia University and Marshall — and cuts of 4.6 percent at most community and technical colleges.

The state is 1 of only 7 whose economies shrank in 2016. The decline in state GDP of 0.9 percent for the year was not the biggest in the nation, but West Virginia did not have much to lose.

The people in Charleston are quite literally the worst people this state has to offer. They're intent on making things worse for the university, state and residents. We recognize too few people in the state are educated, yet they continue to cut education from K-12 to higher ed. It's so goddamn dumb.

Forbes agrees with CNBC for those who claim "fake news".

 

[bornaneer]

http://www.cnbc.com/2017/07/11/west-virginia-americas-worst-state-for-business-in-2017.html

Key points:

The people in Charleston are quite literally the worst people this state has to offer.

Just like they always were. You think this is a suddenly a new phenomenon?

 

[countryroads89_rivals]

Just like they always were. You think this is a suddenly a new phenomenon?

Cutting education is. And I'll say this (to your surprise), Tomblin was a horrible governor.

 

[bornaneer]

Cutting education is. And I'll say this (to your surprise), Tomblin was a horrible governor.

Were all sectors of education cut? I've only heard about the higher ed cuts. I do find it interesting that the best state for business is Washington and they spend $10,202 per public ed student yearly while we are the worst state for business and we spend $11,260 per.

 

[MountaineerWV]

Found this article.......relates to what is going on in West Virginia. Louisville had a situation where they had a low percentage of residents with a bachelor's degree (or higher) prior to 2010 (I believe around 27%). This is a quote that I got from the article that I found striking:

“We must convince more people that the actual cost of a college degree, not the sticker price, is an affordable and smart investment in their future,” Wheeler said. “The return on investment for both the individual and the community proves that it’s absolutely worth it.”

Now, how does West Virginia do this? Well, when all you hear about is "coal, coal, coal" it's hard to convince anyone that furthering their education is a must. The youth will always have that "I'll just wait for a mining job" mentality. If they can't get that, then it's either minimum wage jobs or truck driving.

https://louisvilleky.gov/news/louisville-adds-college-educated-citizens-has-more-work-ahead

 

[MountaineerWV]

Were all sectors of education cut? I've only heard about the higher ed cuts. I do find it interesting that the best state for business is Washington and they spend $10,202 per public ed student yearly while we are the worst state for business and we spend $11,260 per.

Do you know if school lunch programs are included in the cost per pupil spending? I really don't know the answer to that, but may explain why WV spends more. I bet we are among the top in free/reduced lunches in the nation.

 

[bornaneer]

And I'll say this (to your surprise), Tomblin was a horrible governor.

And to your surprise.......I supported Justices higher tax proposals. I do know this......we will have do to something drastically different to be able to climb out of this hole. At one time we had a willing,able and abundant workforce.....now we have a bunch of zombies.

 

[MountaineerWV]

And to your surprise.......I supported Justices higher tax proposals. I do know this......we will have do to something drastically different to be able to climb out of this hole. At one time we had a willing,able and abundant workforce.....now we have a bunch of zombies.

Honest question, not trying to get in pissing match, but what positive does Trump's speeches about "putting miners back to work" have on college degrees for in state residents? I think it holds us back, always waiting on coal and not looking at the future. And then when we have individuals looking towards the future, they get ridiculed or labeled a "coal hater".

Why is there no plan to get West Virginia ahead of coal, not addicted to it? I'm all for coal jobs, but what the President needs to understand, along with the rest of the state and the nation, is that WV needs SOMETHING ELSE besides just "coal".

 

[bornaneer]

Found this article.......relates to what is going on in West Virginia. Louisville had a situation where they had a low percentage of residents with a bachelor's degree (or higher) prior to 2010 (I believe around 27%). This is a quote that I got from the article that I found striking:

“We must convince more people that the actual cost of a college degree, not the sticker price, is an affordable and smart investment in their future,” Wheeler said. “The return on investment for both the individual and the community proves that it’s absolutely worth it.”

Now, how does West Virginia do this? Well, when all you hear about is "coal, coal, coal" it's hard to convince anyone that furthering their education is a must. The youth will always have that "I'll just wait for a mining job" mentality. If they can't get that, then it's either minimum wage jobs or truck driving.

https://louisvilleky.gov/news/louisville-adds-college-educated-citizens-has-more-work-ahead

WV has and will continue to give its residents a good education. The BIG issue is where do the educated go for jobs. Not providing them with viable jobs is and has always been the problem....thus they find jobs elsewhere. Education in NOT the issue....it's the lack of businesses.

 

[Mntneer]

Everyone in this state bitches about "cuts" to "their" programs.... but this state is fuc#ing broke. Too many square miles, with too few people, and little in way of economic possibilities.

There are so many problems with higher ed, and our expectations with it. Employers worrying too much about finding employees with Master's and not finding employees with knowledge and experience.

 

[MountaineerWV]

WV has and will continue to give its residents a good education. The BIG issue is where do the educated go for jobs. Not providing them with viable jobs is and has always been the problem....thus they find jobs elsewhere. Education in NOT the issue....it's the lack of businesses.

That's what I've always said....and get ridiculed for. People have said WV doesn't have the jobs because of the education level (or lack thereof). I've always thought in reverse.......bring in the jobs, you motivate the youth to get the education. I love this state. I have lived in other states, but always come back to West Virginia in the end.

I received a quality education in this state. My children are as well. My parents, well they lived in a different generation that was more about getting a high school diploma and finding that job. My dad did, as a coal miner. Now, those jobs just aren't there, and won't be there like in the past.

 

[MountaineerWV]

Everyone in this state bitches about "cuts" to "their" programs.... but this state is fuc#ing broke. Too many square miles, with too few people, and little in way of economic possibilities.

There are so many problems with higher ed, and our expectations with it. Employers worrying too much about finding employees with Master's and not finding employees with knowledge and experience.

We are broke.......and West Virginia is getting older. The youth that decide to get a degree are moving out of the state. I know this, because I did (before moving back later in life).

 

[bornaneer]

Honest question, not trying to get in pissing match, but what positive does Trump's speeches about "putting miners back to work" have on college degrees for in state residents? I think it holds us back, always waiting on coal and not looking at the future. And then when we have individuals looking towards the future, they get ridiculed or labeled a "coal hater".

Why is there no plan to get West Virginia ahead of coal, not addicted to it? I'm all for coal jobs, but what the President needs to understand, along with the rest of the state and the nation, is that WV needs SOMETHING ELSE besides just "coal".

As you know...I voted for Trump and I continue to defend him......but his coal retoric was just about politics. I'm all for coal....but it will NEVER be the economic engine that it was. I came from a coal family and l, my older brother and sister never considered coal mining for an occupation......Problem was we all left the state for better opportunities.

 

[MountaineerWV]

Strong words by Governor Justice after this report came out:

Gov. Jim Justice responded to the report Tuesday, saying "West Virginians need to know that the Legislature is keeping us in 50th place. They had the chance to follow my new ideas and go big, but instead they turned their backs on every West Virginia family. This analysis from CNBC only confirms that what the Legislature is doing is not working, and if we don't do something different we'll all die 50th."

 

[bornaneer]

That's what I've always said....and get ridiculed for. People have said WV doesn't have the jobs because of the education level (or lack thereof). I've always thought in reverse.......bring in the jobs, you motivate the youth to get the education. I love this state. I have lived in other states, but always come back to West Virginia in the end.

I received a quality education in this state. My children are as well. My parents, well they lived in a different generation that was more about getting a high school diploma and finding that job. My dad did, as a coal miner. Now, those jobs just aren't there, and won't be there like in the past.

Exactly...... as if I had written your words. BTW...I came back.

 

[MountaineerWV]

As you know...I voted for Trump and I continue to defend him......but his coal retoric was just about politics. I'm all for coal....but it will NEVER be the economic engine that it was. I came from a coal family and l, my older brother and sister never considered coal mining for an occupation......Problem was we all left the state for better opportunities.

Here was my problem when I was in high school (a while back).....I had no idea what was out there other than "coal". And it's really not changed, either. With my kids in school, it's still the same. No job fairs. No promotion of business types. West Virginia kids just do not know what is "out there".....and likely will leave the state as soon as they can.

I suggest the businesses that are out there, and any that are looking at West Virginia as a potential landing spot, to get in the local high schools. I truly believe if they would get in the schools with some sort of job fair, and tell these students what they need to do and the benefits of doing it, then you'd see a change.

 

[bornaneer]

Strong words by Governor Justice after this report came out:

Gov. Jim Justice responded to the report Tuesday, saying "West Virginians need to know that the Legislature is keeping us in 50th place. They had the chance to follow my new ideas and go big, but instead they turned their backs on every West Virginia family. This analysis from CNBC only confirms that what the Legislature is doing is not working, and if we don't do something different we'll all die 50th."

It may come as a surprise to you that I voted for Justice and I also supported Joe Manchin because I think he cares as deeply as we do about this state. I was no fan of Tomblin.

 

[MountaineerWV]

It may come as a surprise to you that I voted for Justice and I also supported Joe Manchin because I think he cares as deeply as we do about this state. I was no fan of Tomblin.

I agree with you on Justice and Manchin. I do believe they love this state. Tomblin was like William Howard Taft who road the coattails of Teddy Roosevelt.......Tomblin road Manchin's to the Governor's mansion with voter regret afterwards.

 

[moe]

http://www.cnbc.com/2017/07/11/west-virginia-americas-worst-state-for-business-in-2017.html

Key points:

The people in Charleston are quite literally the worst people this state has to offer. They're intent on making things worse for the university, state and residents. We recognize too few people in the state are educated, yet they continue to cut education from K-12 to higher ed. It's so goddamn dumb.

Forbes agrees with CNBC for those who claim "fake news".

Republicans are in charge outside of Dem gov.

 

[WVUCOOPER]

Strong words by Governor Justice after this report came out:

Gov. Jim Justice responded to the report Tuesday, saying "West Virginians need to know that the Legislature is keeping us in 50th place. They had the chance to follow my new ideas and go big, but instead they turned their backs on every West Virginia family. This analysis from CNBC only confirms that what the Legislature is doing is not working, and if we don't do something different we'll all die 50th."

Wish he had been less of a coward and vetoed the bill then. That ******** of not signing or vetoing it shouldn't fly.

 

[moe]

Wish he had been less of a coward and vetoed the bill then. That ******** of not signing or vetoing it shouldn't fly.

It's a game of chicken as you know and they were up against a shutting down state gov't deadline.

 

[WVUCOOPER]

It's a game of chicken as you know and they were up against a shutting down state gov't deadline.

I had hoped the big talker was prepared to do something big. Guess not. Maybe a few more aw shucksy written press releases or prop comedy routines will work.

 

[moe]

I had hoped the big talker was prepared to do something big. Guess not. Maybe a few more aw shucksy written press releases or prop comedy routines will work.

I guess we have different takes on it but I blame it on the Republican legislature. I favored many of Justice's proposals that the Repubs wouldn't agree to.

 

[WVUCOOPER]

I guess we have different takes on it but I blame it on the Republican legislature. I favored many of Justice's proposals that the Repubs wouldn't agree to.

I blame them as well.

 

[Mntneer]

I had hoped the big talker was prepared to do something big. Guess not. Maybe a few more aw shucksy written press releases or prop comedy routines will work.

Carrot Top not pleased.

 

[mneilmont]

This is a great subject. State cutting budget, and we cannot understand why education budget is being cut. State is broke, and we still criticize not expanding to get away from coal industry. When you shut the coal industry, you shut the major source of money for the state. Catch 22, or you have too many people that don't understand how government gets its money - tax. And you have to consider the local government who exists on taxes too.

Without the coal industry, people abandon ship and take their tax money with them. The government loses tax money at state and local level when you lose an industry. There is NOT an offsetting reduction in expenditures. Government agencies still have to operate as do schools. State loses taxes from industry lost. Students move with family, and state does not continue sending down the same total amount of money. They send counties money based on student count. The county collects taxes to fund schools. County taxes for schools are assessed based on value of asset. Homes don't have as much value when empty. Also, the value of mining equipment has little value when it is not producing.

When you lose an industry, you lose revenue of different taxes associated with the industry. The expense of staff to run government establishments does not reduce proportionately. Offices and legal employees continue. Schools expense continue. Maintenance and utilities for size of building continues. Teachers will not reduce proportionately. Loss of 100 students out of 12 grades possibly will not allow district to cut even one teacher. Ditto buses and drivers.

That is where you run into budget problems. Revenue is automatically cut. Now, you have to cut an equal amount of costs. Lay off police, but same area has to be patrolled. Cut off teachers, but you need them all to cover all classrooms. No excuses, you don't have money to pay them, so you grit teeth and make the cuts. Education gets double whammy because they get substantial funds from both state and county. Of course there are other costs beside personnel that has to be cut.

 

[mneilmont]

I blame them as well.

Coop, you know better. When revenue is lost, all allocated to education must take offset in expense. Ed is not a profit center and has no excess profit annually beyond a small rainy day fund you are operating year to year. Education budgeting, Revenue = Expenditures. Normal year has no carryover funds.

 

[bornaneer]

I guess we have different takes on it but I blame it on the Republican legislature. I favored many of Justice's proposals that the Repubs wouldn't agree to.

Do you blame our dismal record of quality of life measurements on the state legislature that was controlled by the good ol boy Democrats for 80+ years until the Repubs took over a couple of years ago? As I said earlier..... I agreed with what Justice wanted to do and I WILL LAY this years blame on the Repubs.

 

[moe]

Do you blame our dismal record of quality of life measurements on the state legislature that was controlled by the good ol boy Democrats for 80+ years until the Repubs took over a couple of years ago?

You'll have to get more specific re: "dismal quality of life" for example, why would I blame government because WV residents don't exercise enough and are overweight? I think that our historic dependence on mining, manufacturing/chemical production have caused us to have a lower % of college grads because for decades people could get well paying jobs without a degree but to a great degree those days are gone.

 

[bornaneer]

You'll have to get more specific re: "dismal quality of life" for example, why would I blame government because WV residents don't exercise enough and are overweight? I think that our historic dependence on mining, manufacturing/chemical production have caused us to have a lower % of college grads because for decades people could get well paying jobs without a degree but to a great degree those days are gone.

Exactly as I expected......You refuse to blame Democrats for anything. Also...I think you're smart enough to know what I meant about "quality of life" ranking.

 

[WVUCOOPER]

Exactly as I expected......You refuse to blame Democrats for anything. Also...I think you're smart enough to know what I meant about "quality of life" ranking.

Meh. I get it and agree with you, but is the blame game really going to help us?

 

[moe]

Exactly as I expected......You refuse to blame Democrats for anything. Also...I think you're smart enough to know what I meant about "quality of life" ranking.

Think hard man. What am I supposed to be blaming on the Dems?

 

[bornaneer]

You'll have to get more specific re: "dismal quality of life" for example, why would I blame government because WV residents don't exercise enough and are overweight? I think that our historic dependence on mining, manufacturing/chemical production have caused us to have a lower % of college grads because for decades people could get well paying jobs without a degree but to a great degree those days are gone.

Meh. I get it and agree with you, but is the blame game really going to help us?

Ask the person who does the tap dancing. I usually spread the blame around as I did a few posts ago.