Expert: Prospective companies want ‘skilled, highly educated workforce’ but lack of teachers, encouragement and costs impact college enrollment By Autumn Shelton, WV Press Association CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Education is a main concern for state legislators as they prepare for their 60-day session beginning on Wednesday, but it’s not just K-12[Read More…]

By Autumn Shelton, WV Press Association CHARLESTON, W.Va. – West Virginia’s continued short-term economic growth remains uncertain for 2023; however, as the 86th Legislature prepares to convene on Wednesday, there are several indicators that leaders should watch as they guide the state through this economic “turbulence,” according to Dr. John[Read More…]

By Matt Young, WV Press Association CHARLESTON, W.Va. — “I’ve been looking for a genie in a lamp for quite some time. I haven’t found that lamp yet. If you find it, please be sure and point it toward workforce.” That’s what State Senator Rollan Roberts, R-Raleigh, said on Friday[Read More…]

See the full leadership panel video here By Matt Young, WV Press Association CHARLESTON, W.Va. — “Education is an economic-development tool.” When the West Virginia Legislature opens its 2023 session next week, legislators can expect to hear that message from their leadership. Members of leadership participated in a panel discussion[Read More…]

By Steven Allen Adams, Parkersburg News and Sentinel CHARLESTON, W.Va. —  With West Virginia students struggling with reading and math and the state attracting major manufacturers in need of a workforce, lawmakers and stakeholders are looking at addressing these concerns during the 60-day legislative session beginning next week. During the[Read More…]

By Mark Curtis, WOWK News CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WOWK) — We are now just five days away from the 2023 West Virginia Legislative Session and the agenda is becoming very clear. We knew some of the big issues, but now we are getting some last minute surprises. On Friday, Jan. 6,[Read More…]

By Bob Aaron, WCHS News CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WCHS) — Education, a possible tax cut and the fate of state government’s biggest department are all issues expected to dominate the upcoming 60-day West Virginia legislative session. The Republican-dominated Legislature will decide how to handle the state’s surplus starting next week. “Making sure the critical[Read More…]

By Curtis Johnson, WSAZ News CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) — House and Senate leadership touched tax cuts and reform within West Virginia’s Department of Health and Human Resources, but they also discussed several others Friday, including education, at a Legislative Lookahead in Charleston. The event, organized by the West Virginia Press Association,[Read More…]

By Eric Douglas, WV Public Broadcasting Charleston, W.Va. — Leadership from both chambers of the West Virginia Legislature met Friday with the state press corps at the West Virginia Press Association’s annual Legislative Lookahead. Senate President Craig Blair, R-Berkeley, often speaks about reversing the state’s population loss and he indicated gainful[Read More…]

Public education, health insurance for government employees and restructuring the ailing Department of Health and Human Resources will be key priorities during the upcoming legislative session By LEAH WILLINGHAM – Associated Press The Register-Herald of Beckley CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Public education, health insurance for government employees and restructuring the ailing Department[Read More…]