From the Bluefield Daily Telegraph: Yes, West Virginia is once again facing a serious budget crisis with a shortfall estimated around $500 million. Yes, lawmakers need to pass a budget — preferably sooner than later. And yes, Gov. Jim Justice is correct in urging prompt action on the issue. However, there is no need[Read More…]
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U.S. Census Bureau statistics show: Population decline persists in coal counties
By CHARLIE BOOTHE Bluefield Daily Telegraph BLUEFIELD, W.Va. — Officials have consistently said economic development is the key to stopping the population decline in the region, which the latest statistics show is continuing. All area counties, except Giles County in Virginia, are continuing to experience population losses. The U.S.[Read More…]
Editorial: Changes to state storage tank law yield good results
From The Herald-Dispatch of Huntington: Compromise has become a rarer commodity in legislative bodies these days. However, members of West Virginia’s House of Delegates last week did manage to find some common ground before passing a bill related to how many chemical storage tanks have to comply with tougher laws[Read More…]
Senate panel restores grocery sales tax to legislation
By Lacie PiersonThe Huntington Herald-DispatchCHARLESTON, W.VA. – The West Virginia Senate Select Committee on Tax Reform approved a new, slightly slimmer tax reform bill Friday afternoon. On Friday, committee members approved Senate Bill 409, which increases the state’s sales tax and eliminates some exemptions to it. The measure also restores[Read More…]
WV House passes broadband access bill
By Eric Eyre The Charleston Gazette-Mail CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Over objections from West Virginia’s largest internet providers, the House of Delegates overwhelmingly passed a comprehensive broadband bill Friday that aims to improve internet service and expand availability. House members voted 97-2 to send the legislation (HB3093) to the state Senate. “This[Read More…]
WV Senate committee passes medical marijuana bill
By Erin Beck The Charleston Gazette-Mail CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Senate’s Health and Human Resources Committee narrowly passed a bill Friday morning that would allow certain patients to be prescribed marijuana for medicinal purposes. The bill (SB386), called the West Virginia Medical Cannabis Act, now goes to the Senate Judiciary Committee. If[Read More…]
Around the Rotunda: Legislative, Committee Schedule for Saturday, March 25
Around the Rotunda: Legislative, Committee Schedule for Saturday, March 25 W.Va. Legislative Committee Meeting Schedule – Subject to change Watch WV Legislature Live each day at http://www.legis.state.wv.us/live.cfm SENATE: Saturday, March 25, 2017 REVIEW BILLS INTRODUCED The Senate will convene at 10 a.m. THIRD READING Eng.[Read More…]
Essential health benefits suddenly at center of health care debate, but what are they
Lisa Schwetschenau, who has multiple sclerosis, shown in a photo in Omaha, Nebraska on March 16. She worries that she could lose some of her essential health benefits under the new proposed health care law. Nati Harnik/AP By Simon Haeder West Virginia University Republicans have tirelessly campaigned to repeal and[Read More…]
Photos from Around the Rotunda: Friday, March 24
CHARLESTON, W.VA. — Each day during the 60-day West Virginia Legislative Session, groups from across the state fill the Capitol Rotunda with informational displays and sample tables. WVPA Photographer Dalton Walker provides photos of a sampling of the displays. Friday, March 24: Black Dog Coffee of Berkeley Springs Minnie Hamilton[Read More…]
America East offers something for everyone; Pre-registration ends March 31
EDITOR’S NOTE: The deadline to pre-register for America East is next Friday, March 31. America East offers full-time, single-day and exhibits only passes in order to best fit busy schedules. Discounts are available for group registrations of 10 or more. Call 717-703-3069 for details or email us. Register online. HARRISBURG, Pa., – The America East Media Business[Read More…]