Posts by CAG
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Newsletter CAG February 25, 2019
Capital Eye: Vol. 12 No. 7
Wednesday the 27th is "crossover day", when all bills introduced must pass out of their house of origin or be sent to the shredder. This is a much feared and anticipated deadline and will clear a lot of bad bills off our watch list, but also kill off many of the positive efforts of ours and our allies - sigh. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy, Environment, Healthcare
Capital Eye: Vol. 12 No. 7
Wednesday the 27th is "crossover day", when all bills introduced must pass out of their house of origin or be sent to the shredder. This is a much feared and anticipated deadline and will clear a lot of bad bills off our watch list, but also kill off many of the positive efforts of ours and our allies - sigh. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy, Environment, Healthcare
Newsletter CAG February 18, 2019
Capital Eye: Vol. 12 No. 6
One of the newer millennial lobbyists, who is also a poet and performer, has written a hilarious performance piece on the annual antics at the legislature, comparing it to her school days at Capitol High. This comparison fits far too often. As the session rolls along to its final days in early March, I’m reminded of “Capitol High” and smile daily. Thanks, Crystal! More
Issues: Civil Rights, Energy, Environment, Families, Healthcare
Capital Eye: Vol. 12 No. 6
One of the newer millennial lobbyists, who is also a poet and performer, has written a hilarious performance piece on the annual antics at the legislature, comparing it to her school days at Capitol High. This comparison fits far too often. As the session rolls along to its final days in early March, I’m reminded of “Capitol High” and smile daily. Thanks, Crystal! More
Issues: Civil Rights, Energy, Environment, Families, Healthcare
Advocacy Letter CAG February 12, 2019
Letter from Religious & Civic Leaders Opposing Anti-Immigrant Legislation
WV CAG joins West Virginia civic and religious leaders in standing against any laws that attack immigrants, who make our state a better place every day. We embrace the diversity immigrants bring to our state, and we reject any attempts to demonize or degrade immigrant communities in the Mountain State. We are alarmed by a by a rash of bills that have been introduced into the legislature this session targeting immigrants, and sent the following letter to House Speaker Roger Hanshaw to encourage him to do everything in his power to ensure that none of these outrageous attacks on our neighbors becomes law. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Families
Letter from Religious & Civic Leaders Opposing Anti-Immigrant Legislation
WV CAG joins West Virginia civic and religious leaders in standing against any laws that attack immigrants, who make our state a better place every day. We embrace the diversity immigrants bring to our state, and we reject any attempts to demonize or degrade immigrant communities in the Mountain State. We are alarmed by a by a rash of bills that have been introduced into the legislature this session targeting immigrants, and sent the following letter to House Speaker Roger Hanshaw to encourage him to do everything in his power to ensure that none of these outrageous attacks on our neighbors becomes law. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Families
Newsletter CAG February 11, 2019
Capital Eye: Vol. 12 No. 5
We're half-way through legislative session. Can you believe it?! Now that the midpoint is passed, several significant deadlines are looming for those trying to pass or kill off legislation. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy, Environment, Families
Capital Eye: Vol. 12 No. 5
We're half-way through legislative session. Can you believe it?! Now that the midpoint is passed, several significant deadlines are looming for those trying to pass or kill off legislation. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy, Environment, Families
Newsletter article CAG February 11, 2019
Say NO to charter schools (and other updates)!
This week, State Superintendent Steve Paine reportedly ordered the creation of a "charter school pilot" project in two predominantly Black communities in Cabell and Kanawha counties. The project would transform Mary C. Snow Elementary (in Charleston's West side neighborhood) and Spring Hill Elementary (and Huntington's Fairfield West neighborhood) into charter schools, after little or no conversation with these communities and their students, parents and educators. This announcement follows in the heels of Republicans' efforts to ram charter schools through the legislature as part of the education omnibus bill. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Families
Say NO to charter schools (and other updates)!
This week, State Superintendent Steve Paine reportedly ordered the creation of a "charter school pilot" project in two predominantly Black communities in Cabell and Kanawha counties. The project would transform Mary C. Snow Elementary (in Charleston's West side neighborhood) and Spring Hill Elementary (and Huntington's Fairfield West neighborhood) into charter schools, after little or no conversation with these communities and their students, parents and educators. This announcement follows in the heels of Republicans' efforts to ram charter schools through the legislature as part of the education omnibus bill. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Families
Newsletter article CAG February 10, 2019
Half-Way There
Last Thursday was day 30 of the 60-day legislative session. It was also Environment Day (E-Day) and All Kinds Are Welcome Here Lobby Day. Meanwhile, the polluters and the bigots were busy doing their dirty work in committees and in the chambers. Now that the midpoint is passed, several significant deadlines are looming, which up the ante for those who are working to pass more progressive policies in a body with a conservative leadership. More here, on what's moving and languishing. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Energy, Environment, Families
Half-Way There
Last Thursday was day 30 of the 60-day legislative session. It was also Environment Day (E-Day) and All Kinds Are Welcome Here Lobby Day. Meanwhile, the polluters and the bigots were busy doing their dirty work in committees and in the chambers. Now that the midpoint is passed, several significant deadlines are looming, which up the ante for those who are working to pass more progressive policies in a body with a conservative leadership. More here, on what's moving and languishing. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Energy, Environment, Families
Newsletter article CAG February 10, 2019
Calls Needed to Help Advance the Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform
West Virginians understand the urgent need to strengthen our democracy and make our politicians work for us, not wealthy special interests. We need your help to make this a reality. Several bills have been introduced that advance the goals of the Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform. Unfortunately, these bills are being held up in the Senate Judiciary Committee. Contact Senate Judiciary Chair Charles Trump at (304) 357-7880 and ask him to put these bills up for a vote! More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy
Calls Needed to Help Advance the Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform
West Virginians understand the urgent need to strengthen our democracy and make our politicians work for us, not wealthy special interests. We need your help to make this a reality. Several bills have been introduced that advance the goals of the Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform. Unfortunately, these bills are being held up in the Senate Judiciary Committee. Contact Senate Judiciary Chair Charles Trump at (304) 357-7880 and ask him to put these bills up for a vote! More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy
Action Alert CAG February 10, 2019
House Holding Monday Public Hearings on Ominous Education Bill & Guns on Campus
On Monday, the House of Delegates will hold two public hearings on the Omnibus Education Bill (SB 451). The House Judiciary Committee is also holding a public hearing that day on the so-called "Campus Self Defense Act," which would would force colleges to allow people to, with some exceptions, carry concealed guns on college campuses and in buildings. More here on how to weigh in on these proposals and tune in to the action. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Families, Workers
House Holding Monday Public Hearings on Ominous Education Bill & Guns on Campus
On Monday, the House of Delegates will hold two public hearings on the Omnibus Education Bill (SB 451). The House Judiciary Committee is also holding a public hearing that day on the so-called "Campus Self Defense Act," which would would force colleges to allow people to, with some exceptions, carry concealed guns on college campuses and in buildings. More here on how to weigh in on these proposals and tune in to the action. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Families, Workers
Newsletter CAG February 4, 2019
Capital Eye: Volume 12, Number 4
This week, two contentious bills were moving fast – the Ominous Education Overhaul bill and one putting foster kids into managed care organizations (MCOs). Both will get increased scrutiny as they move to the other side. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy, Energy, Environment, Healthcare
Capital Eye: Volume 12, Number 4
This week, two contentious bills were moving fast – the Ominous Education Overhaul bill and one putting foster kids into managed care organizations (MCOs). Both will get increased scrutiny as they move to the other side. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy, Energy, Environment, Healthcare
Newsletter article CAG January 28, 2019
Week Three Heats Things Up
The 2019 WV Legislature now has 1,119 bills on its plate and is starting to get a heartburn that Tums won’t cure. The first three bills described below are a major source of the legislative indigestion. They cover foster care, education, and yet again, the courts. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Energy, Environment, Families
Week Three Heats Things Up
The 2019 WV Legislature now has 1,119 bills on its plate and is starting to get a heartburn that Tums won’t cure. The first three bills described below are a major source of the legislative indigestion. They cover foster care, education, and yet again, the courts. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Energy, Environment, Families
Newsletter CAG January 28, 2019
Capital Eye Vol. 12 No. 3
The 2019 WV Legislature now has 1,119 bills on its plate and is starting to get a heartburn that Tums won’t cure. Foster care, education, and courts - described below in this week's articles - are a major source of the legislative indigestion. This tends to happen when one political party has control of all three branches of government - there is no reason to compromise so there is little reasoning going into major legislation. Rather, ideology prevails. Read on to learn more and find how you can take action! More
Issues: Civil Rights, Energy, Environment
Capital Eye Vol. 12 No. 3
The 2019 WV Legislature now has 1,119 bills on its plate and is starting to get a heartburn that Tums won’t cure. Foster care, education, and courts - described below in this week's articles - are a major source of the legislative indigestion. This tends to happen when one political party has control of all three branches of government - there is no reason to compromise so there is little reasoning going into major legislation. Rather, ideology prevails. Read on to learn more and find how you can take action! More
Issues: Civil Rights, Energy, Environment
Newsletter article CAG January 27, 2019
Pro-Democracy Platform Update: Voting Rights Restoration, Court Bills Advancing
As we mentioned last week, several bills have been introduced that help advance the goals of the Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform. Two of these bills have started to work their way through the legislative process. More details here, along with a complete list of bills we’re supporting as part of the Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy
Pro-Democracy Platform Update: Voting Rights Restoration, Court Bills Advancing
As we mentioned last week, several bills have been introduced that help advance the goals of the Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform. Two of these bills have started to work their way through the legislative process. More details here, along with a complete list of bills we’re supporting as part of the Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy
Newsletter CAG January 21, 2019
Capital Eye Vol. 12 No. 2
Week two at the legislature was a busy one. Meetings with potential bill sponsors, checking daily bills introduced (now totaling 876), monitoring committees as they take up and amend legislation. This is just the daily grind. More here on some of the good, bad, and just plain ugly bills that we’re either promoting or trying to stop here, as well as actions you can take to help end the government shutdown, protect our water and our health, and strengthen our democracy. More
Issues: Budget Priorities, Civil Rights, Democracy, Energy, Environment, Families, Healthcare
Capital Eye Vol. 12 No. 2
Week two at the legislature was a busy one. Meetings with potential bill sponsors, checking daily bills introduced (now totaling 876), monitoring committees as they take up and amend legislation. This is just the daily grind. More here on some of the good, bad, and just plain ugly bills that we’re either promoting or trying to stop here, as well as actions you can take to help end the government shutdown, protect our water and our health, and strengthen our democracy. More
Issues: Budget Priorities, Civil Rights, Democracy, Energy, Environment, Families, Healthcare
Newsletter article CAG January 21, 2019
Week Two – Full to Overflowing!
Week two at the legislature was a busy one. Meetings with potential bill sponsors, checking daily bills introduced (now totaling 876), monitoring committees as they take up and amend legislation. This is just the daily grind. Then there are the special events and actions we’re co-sponsoring and/or showing up for. More about the some of these activities, and a short list of the good, bad, and just plain ugly bills that we’re either promoting or trying to stop here. More
Issues: Budget Priorities, Civil Rights, Democracy, Environment, Fair taxation, Families, Workers
Week Two – Full to Overflowing!
Week two at the legislature was a busy one. Meetings with potential bill sponsors, checking daily bills introduced (now totaling 876), monitoring committees as they take up and amend legislation. This is just the daily grind. Then there are the special events and actions we’re co-sponsoring and/or showing up for. More about the some of these activities, and a short list of the good, bad, and just plain ugly bills that we’re either promoting or trying to stop here. More
Issues: Budget Priorities, Civil Rights, Democracy, Environment, Fair taxation, Families, Workers
Newsletter article CAG January 20, 2019
The Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform: Stand Up, Stamp Up for Your Rights
We had a great time last week promoting the Pro-Democracy Anti-Corruption Platform at Kids and Families Day hosted by the Our Children, Our Future (OCOF) campaign. We also encouraged folks to help spread the word about the need to fight the influence of money in politics, and demonstrate support for the solution by stamping their money with messages like “Stamp Money Out of Politics, “Not to Be Used to Buy Elections,” and “Stop the Attack on Voting Rights.” Several bills have been introduced that advance the goals of the platform have been introduced. Learn more here. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy, Families
The Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform: Stand Up, Stamp Up for Your Rights
We had a great time last week promoting the Pro-Democracy Anti-Corruption Platform at Kids and Families Day hosted by the Our Children, Our Future (OCOF) campaign. We also encouraged folks to help spread the word about the need to fight the influence of money in politics, and demonstrate support for the solution by stamping their money with messages like “Stamp Money Out of Politics, “Not to Be Used to Buy Elections,” and “Stop the Attack on Voting Rights.” Several bills have been introduced that advance the goals of the platform have been introduced. Learn more here. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy, Families
Newsletter CAG January 14, 2019
Capital Eye Vol. 12 No. 1
It's a new year, and a new legislature. In this issue of the Capital Eye, we give you a glimpse at some of the upcoming fights and things to watch for, as well as a list of resources to help you be an informed activist throughout the session. We've only scratched the surface of both the potential damage and opportunities that abound during this current 60-day legislative session, so please stay tuned to our weekly updates. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy, Environment, Fair taxation, Families, Workers
Capital Eye Vol. 12 No. 1
It's a new year, and a new legislature. In this issue of the Capital Eye, we give you a glimpse at some of the upcoming fights and things to watch for, as well as a list of resources to help you be an informed activist throughout the session. We've only scratched the surface of both the potential damage and opportunities that abound during this current 60-day legislative session, so please stay tuned to our weekly updates. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy, Environment, Fair taxation, Families, Workers
Citizen Action Group Blog CAG January 14, 2019
This is What Democracy Looks Like, and You Are In It
The 2018 WV teachers' strike is a recent example of how people power works. We, the people, know how to make WV a better place to live. But we need to fix a broken system. Here's a solution. Help West Virginia Citizens for Clean Elections advance the Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform during the 2019 West Virginia Legislative Session. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy, Families
This is What Democracy Looks Like, and You Are In It
The 2018 WV teachers' strike is a recent example of how people power works. We, the people, know how to make WV a better place to live. But we need to fix a broken system. Here's a solution. Help West Virginia Citizens for Clean Elections advance the Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform during the 2019 West Virginia Legislative Session. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy, Families
Newsletter article CAG January 13, 2019
2019 Legislative Session Kicks Off
The 2019 session of the WV Legislature kicked off on Wednesday, January 9. Here's a glimpse at some of the upcoming fights and things to watch for, and a list of resources to help you be an informed activist throughout the session. More
Issues: Budget Priorities, Civil Rights, Environment, Fair taxation, Healthcare
2019 Legislative Session Kicks Off
The 2019 session of the WV Legislature kicked off on Wednesday, January 9. Here's a glimpse at some of the upcoming fights and things to watch for, and a list of resources to help you be an informed activist throughout the session. More
Issues: Budget Priorities, Civil Rights, Environment, Fair taxation, Healthcare
Action Alert CAG October 12, 2018
October Events You Don’t Want to Miss
There are several upcoming events in Charleston that offer an opportunity to engage with other folks who are exploring ways to respond to climate change, how to achieve health care for all, and common sense solutions to fight the influence of big money in politics. There are also chances to learn more about and hear directly from the candidates in key races this election (see details here). More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy, Energy, Healthcare
October Events You Don’t Want to Miss
There are several upcoming events in Charleston that offer an opportunity to engage with other folks who are exploring ways to respond to climate change, how to achieve health care for all, and common sense solutions to fight the influence of big money in politics. There are also chances to learn more about and hear directly from the candidates in key races this election (see details here). More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy, Energy, Healthcare
Action Alert CAG October 5, 2018
Last Chance to Stop Kavanaugh – Call Now
Unfortunately, Brett Kavanaugh just got closer to confirmation. Earlier today, the Senate voted 51-49 to advance Kavanaugh's nomination to a final vote. Senator Joe Manchin was among those who voted to advance the nomination, but that doesn't mean the fight is over. He and other Senators who voted 'Yes' on this procedural vote could still vote 'NO' in the end. Please call Senator Manchin and tell him to vote NO on Kavanaugh before it's too late - (202)-224-3954. For the sake of every survivor, and for everyone of us who will be harmed by the anti-democratic decisions he will make if he gets a lifetime appointment to the court, we must continue to make our voices heard. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Economy, Environment, Families, Healthcare, Workers
Last Chance to Stop Kavanaugh – Call Now
Unfortunately, Brett Kavanaugh just got closer to confirmation. Earlier today, the Senate voted 51-49 to advance Kavanaugh's nomination to a final vote. Senator Joe Manchin was among those who voted to advance the nomination, but that doesn't mean the fight is over. He and other Senators who voted 'Yes' on this procedural vote could still vote 'NO' in the end. Please call Senator Manchin and tell him to vote NO on Kavanaugh before it's too late - (202)-224-3954. For the sake of every survivor, and for everyone of us who will be harmed by the anti-democratic decisions he will make if he gets a lifetime appointment to the court, we must continue to make our voices heard. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Economy, Environment, Families, Healthcare, Workers