By Phil Kabler Charleston Gazette-Mail Statehouse Reporter Last week’s one-day resumption of the special session had the feel of a conference where the keynote speaker is running late, and the emcee has to ad-lib for 20 minutes: It was all time-filler. The day’s agenda included legislation moving another $54 million[Read More…]
Opinion
The Editorial category is a roundup of links to editorials and columns from West Virginia newspapers.
Editorial: Holiday traffic, roads, drunk driving do not mix in W.Va.
West Virginia designated as most dangerous state in the nation for those traveling on Memorial Day weekend. From the Parkersburg News and Sentinel: It may be difficult for Mountain State residents to hear, but according to a company called ASecureLife, West Virginia is the most dangerous state in the nation[Read More…]
Editorial: Shutting down needle exchange in Charleston, W.Va., made things worse
From Charleston Gazette-Mail: Unsurprisingly, a study published this week from Johns Hopkins University has found that shutting down the syringe exchange program operated by the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department has increased the risk of the spread of diseases like hepatitis and HIV and will likely lead to more drug overdose deaths.[Read More…]
Opinion: Tariffs harmful to Appalachian hardwood industry
Dear Editor: Retaliatory tariffs from China have been a buzz saw through Appalachian hardwood businesses and the families that own and operate them. The hardwood industry provides an estimated $60 billion economic impact in the 12-state region but that will change this year because of trade with China. Exports make[Read More…]
Education: Another bitter West Virginia legislative battle will not be helpful
From The Parkersburg News and Sentinel: Many West Virginians have been anticipating a special legislative session on public schools for weeks, since the collapse in early March of efforts to enact an “omnibus education bill.” Now, lawmakers are scheduled to go back to Charleston for a special session beginning Monday. Education may[Read More…]
Editorial: Next generation may be best chance of reviving downtowns in West Virginia
From The Herald-Dispatch of Huntington, W.Va.: For decades, the building at the corner of Louisa Road and 26th Street in downtown Catlettsburg, Ky., stood out for its appearance and its architecture. Its dark gray color contrasted with that of other buildings in the area, and its turret recalled a time[Read More…]
Editorial: The cost of a West Virginian’s life
From the Times West Virginian of Fairmont: What is the monetary value of the life of a West Virginian? Our attorney general seems to know. Earlier this month, Attorney General Patrick Morrisey’s office settled an opioid-related case against McKesson Corp. for $37 million. While it’s hard to turn one’s nose[Read More…]
Editorial: What federal investigations of Governor Justice say about West Virginia
From the Register-Herald of Beckley: Gov. Jim Justice is developing a track record in public governance and personal finance management that does not give West Virginia or his business acumen a good look. Put another way, our governor, as our representative on a national stage, is regarded as a reflection[Read More…]
Editorial: Drug abuse prevention, education key for West Virginia
From The Journal of Martinsburg: Some children are already using drugs at the age of 12 or 13, according to studies like the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. These kids, researchers estimate, are likely using even earlier. If abuse continues into later adolescence, abusers typically advance into other[Read More…]
Editorial: When it comes to education reform in West Virginia, shareholders need to do some more homework
From The Exponent Telegram of Clarksburg: If all had gone as originally planned, West Virginia lawmakers were supposed to convene in a special session on Monday to continue efforts to “reform” public education. Gov. Jim Justice and legislative leaders had designed the plan to save on costs, since lawmakers were[Read More…]
