Watch WV Legislature Live each day at http://www.legis.state.wv.us/live.cfm Monday, Feb. 11, 2019 34th Day of the Legislative Session Rotunda and social activities: Agriculture and Forestry Day, Upper House and Upper Senate Rotundas; WV Farm Bureau Trailer, North Circle; WV Hospital Association Legislative Reception (By Invitation Only), 6 p.m., Four Points by Sheraton. SENATE: Senate to convene at 11 a.m. On[Read More…]
Government
A swift rebuke: Southern West VIrginia officials speak out against ‘hatred’ of Del. Porterfield’s LGBTQ comments
By GREG JORDAN Bluefield Daily Telegraph PRINCETON, W.Va. — A Mercer County Commissioner and two local delegates have spoken out against a county legislator’s comments last week on the LBGTQ community. Freshman Del. Eric Porterfield (R-Mercer County) blasted the LBGTQ organizations in a House committee meeting and later in a[Read More…]
The updated ABCs of the WV education overhaul bill: Senate, House versions
By RYAN QUINN Charleston Gazette-Mail CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Senate passed its education overhaul bill at the start of last week. On Friday night, a House of Delegates committee advanced the legislation, but recommended significant changes. The first edition of our Education Overhaul Bill Guide explained the version[Read More…]
Opinion: On the LGBTQ controversy, forced silence isn’t agreement or change
By Don Smith Executive Director of the West Virginia Press Association Will the controversy surrounding statements last week about LGBTQ organizations by a member of the West Virginia House of Delegates greatly change West Virginia? Will change come from… … the Delegate’s statements? In discussion of an amendment to allow[Read More…]
WV House of Delegates to hold public hearing on education bill
By JAKE JARVIS NCWV Media CHARLESTON, W.Va. — As tensions continue to rise over a bill to reform public education in the Mountain State, delegates are planning to hold two public hearings Monday to get more input on the measure. The bill, proposed by Republicans in the Senate, would give[Read More…]
Lobbyists offer updates on the natural gas industry, legislation
By Erica Young West Virginia Press Association Capitol Reporter CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Three oil and gas representatives gathered at the West Virginia Press Association’s Legislative Breakfast on Thursday to talk about the current state of the industry. Anne Blankenship, executive director of the West Virginia Oil and Natural Gas Association[Read More…]
At halfway point, legislative leaders assess 2019 session
By PHIL KABLER Charleston Gazette-Mail CHARLESTON, W.Va. — At the midway point of the 2019 legislative session, legislative leaders offered divergent views Thursday on where the session stands, particularly on the Senate’s omnibus education bill. Senate President Mitch Carmichael, R-Jackson, said the idea that Senate leadership is pushing radical, anti-public[Read More…]
Anti-gay comments from GOP delegate spur condemnation from House Dems
By JAKE ZUCKERMAN Charleston Gazette-Mail CHARLESTON, W.Va. — House Democrats chewed out a Republican delegate Thursday after he made remarks implying an anti-LGBT-discrimination amendment was a form of bigotry and intolerance. It started Wednesday afternoon when Delegate Eric Porterfield, R-Mercer, went into an extended diatribe supporting legislation that would have[Read More…]
W.Va. Legislative leadership provide media with opinions on Comprehensive Education reform bill
See featured video and graphics on education bill By Erica Young West Virginia Press Association Capitol Reporter CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Comprehensive Education reform — Senate Bill 451 — was the primary topic of conversation Thursday during the West Virginia Press Association’s Legislative Breakfast. During the legislative panel, Senate President Mitch Carmichael, R-Jackson, took[Read More…]
WV House passes bill allowing Sunday retail liquor sales
The Herald-Dispatch CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia House of Delegates passed a bill Thursday allowing for the retail sale of liquor on Sundays after 1 p.m. Currently on Sundays, West Virginians can only purchase beer and wine. Thirteen delegates, all Republicans, voted against the bill. Del. Eric Porterfield, R-Mercer,[Read More…]
