STATE OF STATE Earl Ray Tomblin Gives First State Of State As Elected Governor
Reported by: Elizabeth Norieka
Web Producer: Mamie Buoy
Also Contributing: Associated Press
Reported: Jan. 11, 2012 10:48 PM EST
Updated: Jan. 11, 2012 10:55 PM EST
Eyewitness News Photo
Charleston
, Kanawha County
, West Virginia
For the first time as elected governor, Earl Ray Tomblin delivered the State of the State Address Wednesday night. The speech touched on various topics important to West Virginians, with jobs at the forefront.
Tomblin wants lawmakers to slash business property taxes for 25 years for any employer that invests at least $3 billion in a new "cracker" plant. This highly sought facility would convert a byproduct from Marcellus shale natural gas wells into a widely used chemical industry compound.
West Virginia's Marcellus field is already attracting business. Tomblin also announced drilling supplier Baker Hughes will create 275 jobs at a $40 million facility in the state.
Tomblin also made note that he will push for legislation making drug testing mandatory for coal miners and banning the use of cell phones while driving without the use of a hands free device.
He also said there will likely be no money in the budget for teacher pay raises and that the next few years will be about handling our Medicaid responsibility.
Tomblin's agenda for the 60-day session also includes mine safety and workplace drug abuse measures.
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Elizabeth Norieka
