By Mac Warner WV Secretary of State Let the sunlight shine into political campaigns in West Virginia Transparency is the key component of good campaign finance policy. As we progress through the 21st Century, easily accessible and complete information is not only possible, it’s absolutely necessary for citizens to stay informed[Read More…]
Government
W.Va. Sen. Patricia Rucker: Omnibus bill should be brought back in special session
By MICHAEL ERB The Parkersburg News and Sentinel PARKERSBURG, W.Va. — The chair of the West Virginia Senate Education Committee says she plans to bring all of the items in the defeated education omnibus bill back to the table during the upcoming special session. State Sen. Patricia Rucker, R-Jefferson, spoke[Read More…]
Opinion: W.Va. Delegate Robinson calling on Governor Justice to veto of SB 622
Delegate Robinson calling for veto of 622 By Delegate Andrew Robinson D-Kanawha, 36th District On Friday, March 8, 2019, late in the night after most of the news media had finished their stories for the day, Senate Bill 622, also known as, “The 2019 Bought and Paid for Act,” was[Read More…]
Marion County, WV, delegates, state senator reflect on 2019 legislative session
By JOHN MARK SHAVER The Fairmont Times CHARLESTON, W.Va. — After a long, back-and-forth for two months, the 2019 West Virginia legislative session is over, and Marion County representatives are reflecting on the triumphs, defeats and controversies that have come out of the Capitol. Although Marion County’s legislators worked toward[Read More…]
Secondary road repair led to WV transportation chief’s firing
By PHIL KABLER Charleston Gazette-Mail CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A difference of opinion with Gov. Jim Justice over how to fix crumbling secondary roads in West Virginia apparently led the governor to fire veteran highways engineer Tom Smith as state Transportation secretary on Sunday night. One day after the regular legislative[Read More…]
Southern West Virginia lawmakers worry over education
By JORDAN NELSON The Register-Herald CHARLESTON, W.Va. — While education policy was one of the most-debated topics during the legislative session, many local lawmakers said they are leaving the chambers with a sense of disappointment, feeling like an opportunity to improve public education in West Virginia was wasted. Senate Bill 451, the[Read More…]
West Virginia delegates allocate $1.1 million for MARC commuter train service
By DANYEL VanREENEN The Journal MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — The West Virginia state legislature has approved $1.1 million to fund the MARC commuter train service in Berkeley and Jefferson counties for the 2019-2020 year. The MARC train, which connects the Eastern Panhandle to the Washington D.C. Metropolitan area, has faced funding[Read More…]
From birth control to PEIA funding, a look at some of the bills passed by the West Virginia Legislature
By JAKE ZUCKERMAN Charleston Gazette-Mail Another legislative session has come and gone. Some bills passed. Most failed. A few high-profile bills burned bright and died young. A massive education overhaul died after both chambers passed different versions of the same bill. The Campus Self Defense Act, commonly known as “campus[Read More…]
State Department of Education announces stakeholder meetings leading up to special session
By STEVEN ALLEN ADAMS The Parkersburg News and Sentinel CHARLESTON, W.Va. — With a special session for education betterment possibly two months away, the West Virginia Department of Education hopes to bring teachers, administrators, parents and the business community together to look at possible reforms. Superintendent of Schools Steve Paine[Read More…]
Low-key last night ends with a twist: Start of special session on education
By PHIL KABLER Charleston Gazette-Mail CHARLESTON, W.Va. — After an otherwise relatively low-key last night to an otherwise tumultuous regular session, the 2019 regular session ended at midnight with the usual motions to adjourn sine die — but also with the unusual twist of being immediately followed by the start[Read More…]
