BECKLEY, WV (WOAY) – Delegate Elliott Pritt and Senator Brian Helton recently introduced House Bill 2606 and Senate Bill 707, respectively, to allow a 25 percent rate increase for Birth-to-Three providers.
They have not received one in 22 years.
The bill passed unanimously through the West Virginia Senate and now is waiting on House Finance.
Physical therapist Cindy Chamberlin believes strongly in this bill.
“The future of West Virginia are our children. Yesterday was Prevention Day at the capitol for substance use,” said Chamberlin. “I believe that Birth-to-Three is kind of like that first, elementary level of prevention for supporting families who are struggling, who might be getting a new diagnosis, might have some fear or questions or unknowns.”
Chamberlin says they are hopeful and continue to advocate daily at the Capitol for House Finance to add it to their agenda.
“Discuss it and move it to the floor so we can pass this bill and all of us can get rate increases — and have a rate from 2025 and not 2003,” the Governor’s ICC WV Birth-to-three board member said.
