By Anthony Izaguirre, The Associated Press for the Charleston Gazette-Mail
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia Democrats on Thursday said their 2020 legislative platform will focus on education, infrastructure, small businesses and social services.
Democrats in the GOP-led Statehouse detailed their “West Virginians First” agenda at a news conference marking the second day of the 60-day legislative session.
“We would like at this time to put the good people of West Virginia first, ahead of corporations and millionaires,” Senate Minority Leader Roman Prezioso, D-Marion, said.
They floated ideas such as creating tax credit programs for small businesses, expanding vocational education, repairing the state’s water infrastructure and funding addiction treatment with a surcharge on opioids.
Their plan was announced a day after Gov. Jim Justice gave his annual State of the State address, which was panned by Democrats who said the Republican gave a misleading view of state finances.
“When I hear the governor talk about how rosy the state’s economic performances have been, as well as the Republican majority, I think about the old fable about the emperor with no clothes,” said Del. Tim Miley, minority leader in the House of Delegates. …
