The Journal editorial For many years, students in West Virginia public schools had to take standardized tests that left much to be desired. But once state officials adopted them, it proved difficult to change. State legislators moving to eliminate the newest exam, the Smarter Balanced test, are right to insist[Read More…]
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Mingo delegate sponsors bill that would require school superintendent to be elected
Staff report Williamson Daily News CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Del. Justin Marcum, D-Mingo, has created a bill that would require the nonpartisan election of county superintendents of schools, beginning with the 2018 primary election. The bill would allow West Virginia citizens to vote for their superintendents, rather than allowing school boards[Read More…]
Higher ed personnel bill passes West Virginia Senate
By JOSELYN KING The Intelligencer and Wheeling News-Register WHEELING, W.Va. — A measure giving West Virginia and Marshall universities the flexibility to remove employee “bumping rights” has passed the House of Delegates. House Bill 2542 is intended to provide the schools more flexibility in human resources and personnel matters, and it permits[Read More…]
House approves controversial water standards bill
By RUSTY MARKS The State Journal CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A controversial bill that would change the way calculations are made to the discharge of pollutants into streams is now on its way to the West Virginia Senate. The House of Delegates voted 63-37 Wednesday, March 1 to approve a bill[Read More…]
Manchin “furious” about miner benefit termination letters
By DANIEL TYSON The Register-Herald More than 22,800 retired miners receive letters Wednesday notifying them that their health care benefits are terminating at the end of April unless Congress acts. The two-paragraph letter explains congressional action is needed on the 1993 Continuing Health Benefits for Miners Act if miners are[Read More…]
For Justice, its all or nothing
The Inter-Mountain editorial Gov. Jim Justice seems to believe the art of politics is not compromise, but bullying. The billionaire businessman clearly is accustomed to getting his way. So, when West Virginia legislators balked at his suggestion for a massive tax increase to fund an expansion of state government, the[Read More…]
Committee takes up drug abuse bills
DAVID BEARD The Dominion Post CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The House Judiciary Committee took up a long list of substance abuse bills Feb. 24 during one of its many marathon sessions. The first two of the day dealt with fentanyl and a for-profit shoplifting scheme called boosting. The fentanyl bill is[Read More…]
Tax reform bill still not ready
By DAVID BEARD The Dominion Post CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The Feb. 24 afternoon meeting of the Senate Select Committee on Tax Reform got off to a shaky start. Early on, one member walked out. No members showed up for the meeting until 30 minutes past its announced 1 p.m. start[Read More…]
Helvetia Celebrates Fasnacht
The Inter-Mountain ‘Old Man Winter’ meets his demise at Fasnacht Saturday in Helvetia. The annual celebration takes place before the beginning of Lent and masks are meant to scare off ‘Old Man Winter’ and cold winter weather. Fasnacht is the Swiss equivalent of Mardis Gras in New Orleans. Attendees wear[Read More…]