state of... planning?

Past, present and future all had a role in Governor Joe Manchin’s State of the State Address on Wednesday. It was Manchin’s sixth address, and even though Jennifer Garner may have been the most interesting thing there, some of his points did stand out.

The governor spoke about budget problems that have come from previous years, current drug use and the future of those who live within these jagged state lines – students.

Manchin ordered West Virginia’s budget to be cut by 3.4 percent in an effort to curb spending; he may have also helped curb spending for those paying for their college education. The governor offered a break for wallets, asking all colleges and universities in our state to freeze tuition this year.

While students and parents around the state whispered “thank you”, professors were probably not so happy. This freeze undoubtedly means no raises for them, but at least educators are on the same level now: Manchin also said no raises for state employees. That means public school teachers, who I’m willing to bet will still picket at the Capitol this spring (their annual picket for a raise may be by now more of a reunion than an actual expectation of more money).

For college students, the freeze on tuition is inconsequential. Manchin’s PROMISE of a free four year education has certainly paid off for them – but now that he’s scratched their back, he’s asking for a return on the favor. Back in 2008, the governor said he wanted a “return on the substantial investment” he’s made with PROMISE scholars. He asked them to stay here in the Mountain State.

This year, something with a little more teeth: the governor asked these students to promise they would do it. That’s going to be a tough thing to hold graduates to when jobs that bring in big bucks just aren’t available in this state. Manchin said we could fight those job problems by “investing in our community and technical colleges”. I’m not a politician, but I think a good way to fight job loss is to create new jobs.

A love for learning does not start in college, it has to be cultivated. In his address, Manchin praised a woman who made her way from the hills of West Virginia to silver screen – and back again to “Save the Children.” Actress Jennifer Garner received a long, standing ovation for her work with the group and Manchin pledged to direct $1 million to young learners in our state’s rural counties.

One thing touched on that really affects this area in particular – drug abuse. Manchin’s message to those involved in the crime was simple: “Get out of our state now, while you still can.” In past few years, drugs dealers have run rampant on our once quiet, college town. Now, I think half of the dealers in Detroit own a timeshare here.

The governor’s way of attacking this issue is to get rid of the places where illicit activity takes place. He plans to collect money from folks who own abandoned buildings that are not kept up. I’m not sure that is the best way to combat this problem, but I’m also not sure I could come up with a better one.

When speechwriters prepare an address of this magnitude, there’s a formula they go by. That formula is really easy to remember: talk about the economy.

There’s this big party and every state is invited. Most of them are wearing red, but West Virginia’s in black. That’s a big deal. That is something Joe Manchin should be proud of.

Manchin says, like he said last year, the state is still in planning mode – no panic here. As a governor he should be ecstatic about that. If things are bad around the country, at least they are a little bit better in our Wild & Wonderful state.