Charleston, WV – The West Virginia Democratic Party on Feb 20th, blasted the Republican-controlled Legislature for introducing a bill (HB 2623) to abolish PEIA (Public Employees Insurance Agency), a reckless move that would strip health coverage from teachers, police officers, firefighters, corrections officers, first responders, child welfare workers, and thousands of other public employees who dedicate their lives to serving West Virginia.

At a time when West Virginia is experiencing critical shortages of teachers—particularly in science and math— corrections officers, and child welfare workers, the last thing the state should be doing is making public service jobs even less competitive. Slashing health care benefits will only drive more skilled professionals out of West Virginia, worsening already severe workforce shortages and leaving students, communities, and vulnerable children without the support they need.

“West Virginia Republicans know the cost of everything but the value of nothing,” said West Virginia Democratic Party Chair Mike Pushkin. “They refuse to acknowledge that our low pay and shrinking benefits are driving teachers, corrections officers, first responders, and social workers out of our state. Now, instead of fixing the problem, they’re making it worse by abolishing PEIA altogether. This is not fiscal responsibility—it’s sabotage of West Virginia’s workforce and future.”

The Republican proposal to dismantle PEIA follows years of Republican mismanagement, benefit cuts, and premium hikes that have made it harder for public employees to afford health care. Meanwhile, legislative leaders have handed out massive tax breaks to out-of-state corporations and wealthy special interests, draining the budget and leaving working West Virginians to pay the price.

Delegate Rick Garcia (D-HD76) said “This isn’t just bad policy—it’s a betrayal of West Virginians who have dedicated their careers to serving this state. Instead of abolishing PEIA, Republicans should be working to fix it—making sure our teachers, first responders, and public workers have the affordable health care they deserve. If they won’t, then West Virginians should remember this attack on working families when they go to the ballot box.”