By RUSTY MARKS The State Journal CHARLESTON, W.Va. — In recent weeks, members of the West Virginia House of Delegates have passed a series of bills that would drastically increase sentences on many drug crimes. Those in favor of the bills say they are aimed at out-of-state drug traffickers and are intended[Read More…]
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Senate votes to revoke drug court mandate
By JAKE ZUCKERMAN Charleston Gazette-Mail CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Senate voted Saturday to scrap a requirement that every circuit court participate in a drug court program. Upon full passage, the legislation would give the judicial branch control over which courts will operate a drug court and which will[Read More…]
Cabell prosecutor: Drug bills aim to help city
By COURTNEY HESSLER The Herald-Dispatch HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Cabell County Prosecutor Sean “Corky” Hammers said the West Virginia House of Delegates’ aim at reducing substance abuse by creating and increasing criminal penalties for drug offense is a step in the right direction toward fighting the area’s raging drug issues. Bills passed[Read More…]
Committee moves forward with 8 percent sales tax
By JAKE ZUCKERMAN Charleston Gazette-Mail CHARLESOTON, W.Vva. — Moving forward with a plan to scrap personal income taxes in favor of an 8 percent sales tax, a Senate select committee received updated numbers Saturday from a state revenue official on the slowed-down implementation plan. Deputy Revenue Secretary Mark Muchow went[Read More…]
Committee considers bill to spur rural internet implementation
By JAKE ZUCKERMAN Charleston Gazette-Mail CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Economic Development Committee put off a decision Friday on a bill intended to stimulate loans to companies that would bring internet services to underserved, rural areas. The bill (SB 485) gives the state Economic Development Authority the green light[Read More…]
W.Va. higher education personnel bill advances
By JOSELYN KING The Weirton Daily Times CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A bill allowing West Virginia’s colleges and universities the option of establishing their own hiring policies not based on seniority is now on its way to a full vote in the West Virginia Senate. Senate Education Committee members on Thursday[Read More…]
Statehouse Beat: Senate bickering doesn’t bode well
By PHIL KABLER Charleston Gazette-Mail CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Kansas: “No state could ever come up with a more destructive tax cut scheme than the one we enacted.” West Virginia: “Hold my beer.” When the fiscal note on the income tax repeal/consumption tax bill (SB335) showed it would blow a $600[Read More…]
State Senator: Pornography is “public health crisis”
By JAKE ZUCKERMAN Charleston Gazette-Mail CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A West Virginia state senator is working to get a resolution through the Legislature declaring pornography to be a “public health crisis.” Sen. Patricia Rucker, R-Jefferson, said pornography viewership ultimately damages families and children, can cause depression, psychological issues and self-esteem issues,[Read More…]
Winter to revisit tonight, Tuesday morning
By WENDY HOLDREN The Register-Herald BECKLEY, W.Va. — Most of Greenbrier County and higher elevations in Nicholas County can expect between 6 and 8 inches of snowfall tonight into Tuesday morning. Eastern Fayette County, eastern Raleigh County and southeastern portions of Greenbrier can expect between 4 and 6 inches. Charleston[Read More…]
WVU to take on Bucknell in NCAA Tournament
By BOB HERTZEL Times West Virginian FAIRMONT, W.Va. — West Virginia’s first round NCAA tournament game against Bucknell on Thursday will be the second game of the afternoon session at KeyBank Center. The game will be televised by CBS. Game times on Thursday in Buffalo, New York are as follows:[Read More…]
