By ANDREA LANNOM The Register-Herald CHARLESTON, W.Va.  — Senators expressed concerns Wednesday over the downgrade of the state’s general obligation debt rating as well as items related to closing the budget gap. Five senators stood in Wednesday’s floor session to discuss their concerns, some who fear the budget will not[Read More…]

By ERIN BECK Charleston Gazette-Mail CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The House of Delegates committee on veterans affairs and homeland security invited a speaker from an anti-Muslim organization, designated as a hate group, to speak on refugee resettlement during a committee meeting Wednesday. Brenda Arthur represented American Congress for Truth, an organization[Read More…]

By PHIL KABLER Charleston Gazette-Mail CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Commerce Secretary Woody Thrasher said Wednesday he believes it would be workable to break up funding for Gov. Jim Justice’s proposed $105 million Save Our State Fund over three years. “I wouldn’t think I could spend $105 million in one year, and[Read More…]

By MAX GARLAND Charleston Gazette-Mail CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Small farmers and farming organizations are meeting with state lawmakers today on various bills that could jump-start local farming businesses, ranging from processing more rabbit meat to tax credits for food bank donations. The third annual Local Food and Farms Day, beginning[Read More…]

By JOSELYN KING The Intelligencer and Wheeling News-Register WHEELING, W.Va.  — A measure unanimously passed by the West Virginia Senate Wednesday would eliminate the state mandate that public school calendars contain 180 “separate”days of classroom instruction and instead allow school districts to “bank” extra hours into each school day to make up for[Read More…]

By ANDREA LANNOM The Register-Herald CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A bill that would disqualify striking workers from receiving unemployment benefits under certain circumstances passed through the West Virginia Senate by a 22-11 vote following much debate. Sen. Charles Trump, R-Morgan said SB 222 clarifies that workers who voluntarily go on strike are[Read More…]

By LACIE PIERSON The Herald-Dispatch HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Marshall University President Jerome “Jerry” Gilbert reiterated his disapproval of proposed cuts in state dollars to Marshall and West Virginia University on Wednesday. In the Memorial Student Center, Gilbert told members of Marshall’s Board of Governors he planned to continue to voice his[Read More…]

By JAKE JARVIS Charleston Gazette-Mail CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The House Education Committee considered on Wednesday a bill that would give public colleges in the state greater flexibility when deciding who to lay off if a staff reduction is needed. The committee’s substitute for HB 2542, which the committee members approved[Read More…]

By DANYEL VANREENEN The Journal CHARLESTON, W.Va.  — Gathering to discuss issues pertaining to the racing industry, Jill Upson, R-Jefferson, led the first Women’s Caucus of the 83rd Legislature on Wednesday. This year, Upson said the Caucus was especially significant because it was the first year female Senators joined their[Read More…]

By RUSTY MARKS The State Journal CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Members of the West Virginia House of Delegates approved a bill Wednesday, Feb. 22 that would expand the criteria for calling a Silver Alert for a missing senior. A Silver Alert is issued when an elderly person goes missing and relatives[Read More…]