By Jina Belcher
For The New River Gorge Regional Development Authority
Beckley – The New River Gorge Regional Development Authority (NRGRDA) will host West Virginia State Treasurer Larry Pack at the Stepping Stones Academy on Thursday, February 19, 2026. At 4:15 p.m., media will have an opportunity to interview Mr. Pack about childcare issues in the Mountain State.
WHO: Larry Pack, West Virginia State Treasurer, Jina Belcher, Executive Director, New River Gorge Regional Development Authority and Kristen Alford, Director, Stepping Stones Academy
WHAT: Media Availability on Childcare Challenges
WHEN: 4:15 p.m. Thursday, February 19, 2026
WHERE: Stepping Stones Academy, 169 Commerce Drive, Beaver, W.Va.
Treasurer Pack will tour the childcare facility, participate in a roundtable discussion with local legislators, economic development leaders, childcare providers, and local business officials.
Two bills are currently moving through the West Virginia Legislature that would – if enacted — expand the usability of West Virginia’s Employer-Provided or Sponsored Child Care Tax Credit, passed through legislation in 2022.
Those bills are House Bill 4517, sponsored by Delegate Eric Brooks, and Senate Bill 646, sponsored by Senator Vince Deeds. Delegate Brooks represents the area where Stepping Stones Academy is located.
The pending state legislation removes barriers that have prevented businesses of all sizes, especially those in rural communities, from utilizing the program to support their workforce. If enacted, these improvements would support businesses already investing in facilities like Stepping Stones Academy and encourage additional employer partnerships in local childcare facilities.
HB 4517 advanced through House Health and Human Resources Committee on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. Both bills, in their respective chambers, have advanced through their initial referral committees and are expected to continue through the legislative process this session.
About New River Gorge Regional Development Authority: The New River Gorge Regional Development Authority’s (NRGRDA) mission is to initiate, facilitate and support the economic and community development efforts within the counties of Fayette, Nicholas, Raleigh, and Summers. More can be found at https://nrgrda.org/
