By Greg Jordan, Bluefield Daily Telegraph
beckley – Legislation supporting mothers and infants, increasing penalties for child abuse and expanding vehicular homicide charges by classifying the loss of an unborn child as a death became law Thursday after a signing ceremony.
Gov. Patrick Morrsiey met with area legislators and other dignitaries at the CrossPoint Church in Beckley to sign three bills into law. The governor said Thursday’s signing ceremony and two other announcements earlier this week have a common theme.
On Tuesday, Morrisey announced a $1 million Infrastructure and Jobs Development Council for the McDowell County town of Bradshaw address longstanding problems in the sewer collection and treatment systems affecting 106 customers. This announcement was followed up Wednesday when the governor announced reforms in the state’s foster care program for children.
“All of these announcements have a common theme whether you’re talking about storm recovery, ensuring clean drinking water or protecting the child welfare system. It’s really looking around for the most vulnerable among us and making sure we’re stepping up to do what’s necessary,” Morrisey said. “That most certainly includes our kids and that’s why we’re here today.”
