By ANDREA LANNOM Times West-Virginian CHARLESTON, W.Va.  — Gov. Jim Justice is asking the Legislature to pass a bill to exempt military retirement from the state’s income tax. Justice announced in a Friday news release he wants to give veterans a 100 percent tax exemption for military retirement, saying he[Read More…]

By RUSTY MARKS The State Journal CHARLESTON, W.Va. — In recent weeks, members of the West Virginia House of Delegates have passed a series of bills that would drastically increase sentences on many drug crimes. Those in favor of the bills say they are aimed at out-of-state drug traffickers and are intended[Read More…]

By JAKE ZUCKERMAN Charleston Gazette-Mail CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Senate voted Saturday to scrap a requirement that every circuit court participate in a drug court program. Upon full passage, the legislation would give the judicial branch control over which courts will operate a drug court and which will[Read More…]

By COURTNEY HESSLER The Herald-Dispatch HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Cabell County Prosecutor Sean “Corky” Hammers said the West Virginia House of Delegates’ aim at reducing substance abuse by creating and increasing criminal penalties for drug offense is a step in the right direction toward fighting the area’s raging drug issues. Bills passed[Read More…]

By JAKE ZUCKERMAN Charleston Gazette-Mail CHARLESOTON, W.Vva. — Moving forward with a plan to scrap personal income taxes in favor of an 8 percent sales tax, a Senate select committee received updated numbers Saturday from a state revenue official on the slowed-down implementation plan. Deputy Revenue Secretary Mark Muchow went[Read More…]

By JAKE ZUCKERMAN Charleston Gazette-Mail CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Economic Development Committee put off a decision Friday on a bill intended to stimulate loans to companies that would bring internet services to underserved, rural areas. The bill (SB 485) gives the state Economic Development Authority the green light[Read More…]

By JOSELYN KING The Weirton Daily Times CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A bill allowing West Virginia’s colleges and universities the option of establishing their own hiring policies not based on seniority is now on its way to a full vote in the West Virginia Senate. Senate Education Committee members on Thursday[Read More…]

By PHIL KABLER Charleston Gazette-Mail CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Kansas: “No state could ever come up with a more destructive tax cut scheme than the one we enacted.” West Virginia: “Hold my beer.” When the fiscal note on the income tax repeal/consumption tax bill (SB335) showed it would blow a $600[Read More…]

By JAKE ZUCKERMAN Charleston Gazette-Mail CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A West Virginia state senator is working to get a resolution through the Legislature declaring pornography to be a “public health crisis.” Sen. Patricia Rucker, R-Jefferson, said pornography viewership ultimately damages families and children, can cause depression, psychological issues and self-esteem issues,[Read More…]

By WENDY HOLDREN The Register-Herald BECKLEY, W.Va. — Most of Greenbrier County and higher elevations in Nicholas County can expect between 6 and 8 inches of snowfall tonight into Tuesday morning. Eastern Fayette County, eastern Raleigh County and southeastern portions of Greenbrier can expect between 4 and 6 inches. Charleston[Read More…]