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Action Alert CAG February 6, 2018
Radical Constitutional Amendment Up for Vote by WV Senate
The Senate Judiciary Committee has advanced a radical constitutional amendment (SJR 12) that targets Medicaid coverage for abortions for low-income women and opens the door for further attacks on the reproductive rights of all West Virginia women. Please take action by emailing and calling your Senators. Tell them to stand with West Virginia women and families to protect our healthcare and our rights, and vote NO on SJR 12. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Economy, Families, Healthcare

Newsletter CAG February 4, 2018
Capital Eye Vol. 11 No. 4
Week Four of the 2018 legislative session was a wild week, with President Trump and the GOP at the Greenbrier (we visited, too!), and teachers rallying at the Capitol for better pay and fixes for PEIA. During Week Five, several bills pending in the House Judiciary Committee are or are likely to be the subject of public hearings. Keep reading for details and actions you can take. We also hope you can join us for All Kinds are Welcome Here Civil Liberties Lobby Day on Thursday, February 8 and other events at the Capitol this week. And please take advantage of the upcoming Your Voice WV: Citizen Lobbyist trainings if one is planned for your area. More
Issues: Budget Priorities, Civil Rights, Economy, Energy, Environment, Families, Healthcare, Workers

Newsletter article CAG February 4, 2018
Wild Week Four
In this article: Trump Visits GOP at Greenbrier - We Visited Too; War on Unions Continues; Teachers Rally at Capitol; Free Community College Passes Senate; Intermediate Court of Appeals, Judicial Budget Amendment Clear First Hurdles; Department of Education and the Arts on Chopping Block; DHHR Reorganization Update; What's SNAPpening?; Making it Legal to Noodle Catfish?; Minister Protection Bill is all Fluff; Charleston Gazette-Mail Files for Bankruptcy; Water Crisis Settlement Nears Final Approval; FirstEnergy's Attempt at WV Bailout Continues; and Join In! More
Issues: Civil Rights, Economy, Energy, Environment, Families, Healthcare, Workers

Newsletter article Julie Archer February 4, 2018
“Co-Tenancy” Bill Advances Without Changes, Public Hearing Possible Wednesday
Last week the House Energy Committee passed the "co-tenancy" bill (HB 4268) without any changes. HB 4268 is problematic in a number of ways which we've outlined in detail here, and we remain opposed to the bill unless these issues are addressed. The bill is now before the House Judiciary Committee. A public hearing has been requested and will possibly be held this Wednesday, February 7 although there has been no official announcement yet. In the meantime, please contact House Judiciary Committee members and voice your concerns about HB 4268.  More
Issues: Energy, Fracking, Pollution

Action Alert CAG February 4, 2018
Health Not Politics – Public Hearing on HB 4012, Calls to House Judiciary Needed
When a woman in West Virginia is enrolled in the state's Medicaid health insurance program, all of her reproductive health services should be covered including annual check-ups, prenatal and maternity care, family planning services including birth control, and abortion. HB 4012 aims to take away abortion coverage under Medicaid and we must stop it! Please contact House Judiciary Committee members and tell them they shouldn't be playing politics with women's health care.  More
Issues: Budget Priorities, Civil Rights, Families, Healthcare

Action Alert   February 2, 2018
Join the Movement for Medicare for All
It will take a revolution – our revolution – to get Medicare for All in this country. The insurance and drug companies are spending millions to fight it and to take away the health care we currently have. Drug companies alone spent $240 million on lobbying in 2016. But the movement for Medicare for All is growing too. Medicare for All legislation has record numbers of co-sponsors in the House and the Senate. We’re going to be doing our part here in West Virginia in 2018 by putting pressure on candidates and making Medicare for All a major issue in Congressional elections. Join the movement. More
Issues: Healthcare, Medicare

Action Alert   January 29, 2018
Get On The Bus – Let’s Remind Congressional Republicans of OUR Priorities
Later this week (January 31 - February 2), Congressional Republican leaders will be meeting at Jim Justice's Greenbrier resort for their legislative retreat. This is where Congressional leaders will be setting their priorities for 2018. Together with hundreds of Americans coming from around the country, we will be gathering there to remind them of OUR priorities. We want a government that works for the common good - for all of us, not just a wealthy few. Please join us. On February 1, we'll be taking a bus from Charleston, leaving at 9am on Thursday, and returning that evening around 6pm. Click here for more details. More
Issues: Budget Priorities, Fair taxation, Healthcare, Inequality, Medicare, Poverty

Newsletter   January 28, 2018
Capital Eye Vol. 11 No. 3
A lot has happened over the past week and there are a number of actions you can take. This coming week we hope you can join us for one or more events on legislative and congressional priorities and the need to focus on the common good. We also hope you can join WV CAG and allies the following week for All Kinds Are Welcome Here Lobby Day on February 8 at the State Capitol. To prepare you for your visit to Charleston there are two more opportunities to attend a Your Voice: Citizen Lobbyist Training - February 1 at Bethany College and February 5 in Parkersburg.  More
Issues: Budget Priorities, Healthcare, Inequality, Kids and families, Poverty

Newsletter article Gary Zuckett January 28, 2018
Week Three – Gaining Momentum
Legislative sessions are like a snowball rolled down a steep, snowy slope. They gain speed, momentum and size as they roll… this one is no different. This means a lot has happened over the past week and there are a number of actions you can take. This coming week we hope you can join us for one or more events on legislative and congressional priorities and the need to focus on the common good. More
Issues: Budget Priorities, Healthcare, Poverty, SNAP

Newsletter article CAG January 28, 2018
Our Children, Our Future 2018 Legislative Platform Includes WV Anti-Corruption / Voter Empowerment Act
As part of this year's Our Children, Our Future public policy platform, WV CAG is excited to be partnering with Fayette Fair Share to support the WV Anti-Corruption Act. The Act is about empowering voters and having a democracy where everyone participates, every vote is counted, and everyone’s voice is heard. To do this we need to close loopholes in our election and ethics laws, and change political rules that unfairly favor the wealthy and special interests. Two bills introduced this session help accomplish the goals of the Act. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy, Families

Action Alert   January 28, 2018
Health Not Politics – Stop HB 4012
On Wednesday, WV CAG and other social justice organizations joined our friends at WV FREE to launch a new Health Not Politics campaign to defeat a proposed ban on Medicaid coverage for abortions for low-income women in West Virginia. Unfortunately, the following day the House Health Committee passed HB 4012, which bans Medicaid insurance coverage for abortion. Horrifically, the House Health Committee refused to allow an exception for this coverage even in cases of rape or incest. please contact House Judiciary Chair Contact Chair John Shott (R-Mercer) at 304-340-3252 and ask him to stop HB 4012. More
Issues: Healthcare, Kids and families

Newsletter CAG January 22, 2018
Capital Eye Vol. 11 No. 2
This week we're writing you on the heels of several West Virginia events commemorating last year’s historic Women’s March. These inspiring events show that our movement(s) are alive and well. Keep reading for a look at some of the bad (and good) bills that are starting to work their way through the process, actions you can take, and other highlights from the second week of the session. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy, Economy, Families, Healthcare, Inequality, Workers

Newsletter article CAG January 22, 2018
Two Weeks Down, Seven to Go
Friday was the 10th day of the 2018 legislative session with Senate now listing 333 bills introduced, and the House (with nearly three times the members) having 739. It's a small comfort that the majority of these will never make it out the ‘sausage grinder’ that is the legislative process. Here's a look at some of the bad (and good) bills that are starting to work their way through the process, as well as some other highlights from the second week of the session. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy, Economy, Families, Healthcare

Action Alert CAG January 22, 2018
Stop HB 4001: Don’t Punish Families Who Rely on SNAP, Medicaid, and TANF
HB 4001 contains several measures that punish families who rely on SNAP, Medicaid or TANF, and contracts with a private vendor to verify eligibility. It is designed to do nothing more than kick people off of these programs and pay millions to a third party administrator. Call House Health Committee members and tell them not to hurt West Virginia families. More
Issues: Budget Priorities, Democracy, Economy, Families

Newsletter CAG January 16, 2018
Capital Eye Vol. 11 No. 1
We began this week celebrating and honoring Dr. Martin Luther King , Jr. with a day dedicated to public service and a time for reflection on issues of justice, equality, and moral leadership. May Dr. King's legacy inspire us to continue the fight for a more fair and equal nation and state, and a brighter future for all. The 2018 legislative session will provide many opportunities to come together to fight for justice and equality. Keep reading for an overview of the State of the State and a preview of what to expect in the days ahead. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy, Economy, Energy, Environment, Healthcare

Newsletter article   January 15, 2018
State of the State
On Wednesday evening, Governor Justice laid out his vision for the 2018 legislative session and beyond in his second State of the State address. Last week also marked the anniversary of the 2014 water crisis. Read an overview of the address and happenings during the first week of the session here and get a preview of what to expect during the days ahead. More
Issues: Budget Priorities, Energy, Energy efficiency, Healthcare, SNAP, Water

Citizen Action Group Blog Alexandra Gallo January 15, 2018
The Foundation to Build a Proper Medical Cannabis Program in WV
SB 386, passed during the 2017 legislative session, laid the foundation to build a proper medical cannabis program in West Virginia. By 2019, doctors will be able to start issuing medical cards to patients and by January 2020 patients will be able to purchase medical cannabis products. This years fight is focused on decriminalization of marijuana and amending SB 386 to allow the purchase and use of flower, in addition to allowing patients to grow small amounts of cannabis in their homes. Read excerpts from an interview with Rusty Williams, a cancer survivor turned patient advocate to learn how you can help. More
Issues: Healthcare

Newsletter article   January 15, 2018
The Hillbilly Poet: Crying Like a Baby & Other Poems
"A liar tells stories to deceive people. A story teller tells lies to make people laugh." - the Hillbilly Poet More
Issues: Energy, Healthcare, Inequality, Water

Advocacy Letter CAG January 12, 2018
Letter Requesting the Legislature Consider Recommendations of the Public Water System Supply Study Commission
Following the water crisis of 2014, the Legislature established the Public Water System Supply Study Commission to provide annual recommendations to protect the state’s drinking water supplies. WV CAG joined allies in urging the Legislature to give the Commission's 2017 report and its recommendations ample consideration in the interest of advancing public policy protective of public health.  More
Issues: Environment, Families

Action Alert   January 11, 2018
Call Now to Save CHIP
This week marks 100 days since Congress failed to extend full funding for the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which provides 9 million U.S. children and pregnant women with comprehensive and affordable health care coverage. Please call your member of Congress and urge them to extend CHIP funding for five years right now: (877) 233-9025. More information and talking points to help guide your call here. More
Issues: Budget Priorities, Healthcare, Kids and families