The Senate Confirmations Committee has heard from former first lady Gayle C. Manchin in a hearing relating to her appointment to serve as Secretary of the Department of Education and the Arts.
Manchin said she is ready to “streamline” the Department in order to meet budget demands by combining offices and reducing the number of employee positions.
She said she believes the Department plays a significant role in serving the citizens of the state by giving them a chance to engage in lifelong learning.
“I believe government is all about public service,” Machin said, “And providing them [citizens] the very best opportunities from birth to death.”
Manchin also said the arts should not be defunded in the proposed budget bill because they contribute to the economic growth of the state by encouraging its citizens to confront complex issues in creative ways, which she said the state needs now more than ever.
Manchin was First Lady from 2005 to 2010 during her husband’s first term as governor. Her husband is current U.S. Senator Joe Manchin.
The committee also heard from Cheryl Schreiber on her appointment to serve as a member on the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine Board of Governors for a term ending on June 30, 2020.
Confirmations will meet Friday, March 10 at 10 a.m.
