In the dog days of the pandemic I often wandered over to my neighbor’s yard. As we had for the past two decades, we’d explore new gems growing in her gardens while pondering the problems of the world. She’s a retired social worker, long-time resident, and youth volunteer in the community, and I’ve always valued her wisdom and enjoyed our talks. Read the Full Story >>
West Virginia Legislature
Some Bills That Failed in the Legislature This Year – Part 2
There have been many reviews of bills that passed and became law in West Virginia this year. However, there were far more bills that were introduced but not passed by the legislature. This month’s column points out some bills that did not pass but were sponsored by Delegate Hardy and Senators Barrett and Rucker Read the Full Story >>
Some Bills That Failed in the Legislature This Year – Part I
There have been many reviews of bills that passed and became law in West Virginia this year. However, there were far more bills that were introduced but not passed by the legislature. This month’s column points out some bills that did not pass but were sponsored by Delegates Clark, Espinosa, and Ridenour. Read the Full Story >>
Bills Passed in the 2023 WV Legislative Session
March 11 was the end of the sixty day legislative session for 2023. Legislators went home having passed 333 bills (293 bills passed in 2022). The Governor has signed nearly one-third of these bills and is expected to sign the remainder soon (he signed all but 13 bills passed in 2022). Absent a special session called by the Governor, our legislators will next meet in January 2024 to vote on new legislation. Read the Full Story >>
Constitutional Amendments On The 2022 Ballot
Voters will see four proposals to amend the West Virginia Constitution at the very end of the 2022 ballot. Read the Full Story >>
How Amendment #2 Could Affect Jefferson County’s Budget
A look at what might be cut if the Legislature removes local budget control without offsetting revenue. Read the Full Story >>
Tracking the Train in West Virginia’s 2021 Budget Debates
The pandemic has strained the MTA’s workforce and put a dent in ridership and revenue. Discussions about West Virginia’s rail funding for the next fiscal year (from July 2021) will begin when the state Legislature receives the Governor’s budget proposal in early February. Read the Full Story >>
Medical Marijuana Loses Traction in Charleston
The West Virginia Legislature passed a bill three years ago legalizing the use of medical marijuana. But that law has never really taken effect. Read the Full Story >>
West Virginia’s Premature Budget
The state constitution requires that a budget (that is balanced) be passed prior to the beginning of the fiscal year for which it is to be law. Our state’s fiscal year begins on July 1 of each calendar year. Read the Full Story >>