Mayor David Atkins donates $1000 to Hamlin High School golf team

During the Lincoln County Schools Board Meeting on December 3, 2024, a significant focus was placed on the urgent need for health insurance reform affecting public employees in West Virginia. Representatives from the West Virginia Education Association (WBEA) and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) urged the board to support a resolution aimed at stabilizing the Public Employees Insurance Agency (PEIA). The proposed changes to PEIA would result in increased premiums and out-of-pocket costs for active employees and retirees, raising concerns about the affordability of healthcare for public workers and their families.

The meeting featured a presentation from Mayor David Lindsay Atkins of Hamlin, who contributed a $1,000 check to support the local high school golf team, highlighting community engagement and support for school programs. This gesture was well-received, with board members expressing gratitude for the mayor's ongoing contributions to local education.

The board discussed the importance of uniting with other counties that have already signed similar resolutions, emphasizing the collective effort needed to advocate for better healthcare conditions for educators and state employees. As of the meeting, 27 counties had addressed this issue, with 14 already returning resolutions to state leaders.

The board members expressed their commitment to the cause, with plans to circulate the resolution for signatures among the members. This initiative reflects a growing movement among counties to address the pressing healthcare challenges faced by public employees in West Virginia.

The meeting concluded with a call for unity and action, reinforcing the importance of supporting local educators and ensuring that they have access to affordable healthcare. The board's next steps will involve further discussions and potential actions to advocate for the resolution at the state level, aiming to bring about meaningful change for public employees in the region.