By JIM WORKMAN The State Journal CHARLESTON, W.Va. — During the regular floor session of the West Virginia Senate Feb. 22, Sen. Craig Blair, R-Berkeley, had sharp criticism for Gov. Jim Justice’s proposed budget proposed during the Democrat’s Feb. 8 State of the State address. “I’m offended by his budget,”[Read More…]

House passes bills, talks tax proposals The Dominion Post CHARLESTON, W.Va.  — The House of Delegates passed a handful of bills Feb. 22, then ended its floor session with a long debate about the governor’s tax proposals and Tuesday’s debt rating downgrade by Moody’s. HB 2318, to combat human trafficking,[Read More…]

By PHIL KABLER Charleston Gazette-Mail CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Gov. Jim Justice’s call on Tuesday for the Legislature to take action on the state budget crisis in light of West Virginia’s latest bond ratings downgrade — and legislative leadership’s response to that call — lit up both houses in floor debate[Read More…]

By ANDREA LANNOM The Register-Herald CHARLESTON, W.Va.  — Senators expressed concerns Wednesday over the downgrade of the state’s general obligation debt rating as well as items related to closing the budget gap. Five senators stood in Wednesday’s floor session to discuss their concerns, some who fear the budget will not[Read More…]

By ERIN BECK Charleston Gazette-Mail CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The House of Delegates committee on veterans affairs and homeland security invited a speaker from an anti-Muslim organization, designated as a hate group, to speak on refugee resettlement during a committee meeting Wednesday. Brenda Arthur represented American Congress for Truth, an organization[Read More…]

By PHIL KABLER Charleston Gazette-Mail CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Commerce Secretary Woody Thrasher said Wednesday he believes it would be workable to break up funding for Gov. Jim Justice’s proposed $105 million Save Our State Fund over three years. “I wouldn’t think I could spend $105 million in one year, and[Read More…]

By MAX GARLAND Charleston Gazette-Mail CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Small farmers and farming organizations are meeting with state lawmakers today on various bills that could jump-start local farming businesses, ranging from processing more rabbit meat to tax credits for food bank donations. The third annual Local Food and Farms Day, beginning[Read More…]

By JOSELYN KING The Intelligencer and Wheeling News-Register WHEELING, W.Va.  — A measure unanimously passed by the West Virginia Senate Wednesday would eliminate the state mandate that public school calendars contain 180 “separate”days of classroom instruction and instead allow school districts to “bank” extra hours into each school day to make up for[Read More…]

By ANDREA LANNOM The Register-Herald CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A bill that would disqualify striking workers from receiving unemployment benefits under certain circumstances passed through the West Virginia Senate by a 22-11 vote following much debate. Sen. Charles Trump, R-Morgan said SB 222 clarifies that workers who voluntarily go on strike are[Read More…]