Posts by CAG
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Newsletter article CAG February 13, 2018
House Judiciary Sub-Committee Nixes Redistricting Commission in Favor of Status Quo
We've written a couple of times about a bill (HB 2383) under consideration by a House Judiciary Sub-Committee the would establish an independent redistricting commission to redraw the boundaries of West Virginia's legislative and congressional districts after the 2020 Census. When the subcommittee met for the final time with the goal of approving a final bill an amendment to take out the commission and continue to leave the process of drawing legislative and congressional district maps up to the legislature was adopted, undermining the original intent of the bill, and maintaining the status quo. Voters should be choosing their elected officials, not the other way around. Let your delegate(s) know you are disappointed with this development. Urge them to honor the original intent of the bill and appoint someone other than legislators to draw legislative district maps. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy
House Judiciary Sub-Committee Nixes Redistricting Commission in Favor of Status Quo
We've written a couple of times about a bill (HB 2383) under consideration by a House Judiciary Sub-Committee the would establish an independent redistricting commission to redraw the boundaries of West Virginia's legislative and congressional districts after the 2020 Census. When the subcommittee met for the final time with the goal of approving a final bill an amendment to take out the commission and continue to leave the process of drawing legislative and congressional district maps up to the legislature was adopted, undermining the original intent of the bill, and maintaining the status quo. Voters should be choosing their elected officials, not the other way around. Let your delegate(s) know you are disappointed with this development. Urge them to honor the original intent of the bill and appoint someone other than legislators to draw legislative district maps. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy
Newsletter CAG February 13, 2018
Capital Eye Vol. 11 No. 5
We are now halfway through the 2018 legislative session. We started off last week with FirstEnergy filing a notice with the Public Service Commission that it will stop fighting to transfer ownership of the Pleasants Power Plant to its West Virginia utilities. This is a major win for the 530,000 Mon Power and Potomac Edison consumers in West Virginia! Learn more about this victory and what's happening at the Capitol on redistricting, "co-tenancy," and more in this week's Capital Eye. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy, Energy, Environment, Healthcare, Workers
Capital Eye Vol. 11 No. 5
We are now halfway through the 2018 legislative session. We started off last week with FirstEnergy filing a notice with the Public Service Commission that it will stop fighting to transfer ownership of the Pleasants Power Plant to its West Virginia utilities. This is a major win for the 530,000 Mon Power and Potomac Edison consumers in West Virginia! Learn more about this victory and what's happening at the Capitol on redistricting, "co-tenancy," and more in this week's Capital Eye. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy, Energy, Environment, Healthcare, Workers
Action Alert CAG February 10, 2018
Don’t Punish Families That Rely on SNAP & Other Safety Net Programs
Similar to last year, some members of the West Virginia House have introduced a bill (H.B. 4001) that would further restrict access to food assistance (SNAP) and other vital safety net programs. On Monday, February 12 at 8:30AM, the House Judiciary Committee will hold a public hearing on HB 4001 in the House Chamber. If you can’t make it to Charleston, please contact House Judiciary Committee members and your delegate(s). Tell them not to punish families who rely on SNAP, Medicaid, and other safety net programs. More
Issues: Budget Priorities, Democracy, Economy, Families
Don’t Punish Families That Rely on SNAP & Other Safety Net Programs
Similar to last year, some members of the West Virginia House have introduced a bill (H.B. 4001) that would further restrict access to food assistance (SNAP) and other vital safety net programs. On Monday, February 12 at 8:30AM, the House Judiciary Committee will hold a public hearing on HB 4001 in the House Chamber. If you can’t make it to Charleston, please contact House Judiciary Committee members and your delegate(s). Tell them not to punish families who rely on SNAP, Medicaid, and other safety net programs. More
Issues: Budget Priorities, Democracy, Economy, Families
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 CAG January 5, 2018
Documentary Film Screening Marks Anniversary of 2014 Water Crisis
To mark the fourth anniversary of the water crisis, the WV International Film Festival (WVIFF) is hosting a work in-progress preview of a new film with an important connection to our community. Still Life, is a feature documentary about the chemical spill of 2014, the urban crises it caused, and the foundation of chronic environmental devastation within which it occurred. Click here for showtimes and more information. This is also a reminder that those affected by the water crisis are eligible to file claims as part of the proposed class action settlement of lawsuits filed in response to the chemical spill. More info. here. More
Issues: Energy, Environment, Families
Documentary Film Screening Marks Anniversary of 2014 Water Crisis
To mark the fourth anniversary of the water crisis, the WV International Film Festival (WVIFF) is hosting a work in-progress preview of a new film with an important connection to our community. Still Life, is a feature documentary about the chemical spill of 2014, the urban crises it caused, and the foundation of chronic environmental devastation within which it occurred. Click here for showtimes and more information. This is also a reminder that those affected by the water crisis are eligible to file claims as part of the proposed class action settlement of lawsuits filed in response to the chemical spill. More info. here. More
Issues: Energy, Environment, Families
Action Alert CAG December 1, 2017
Join Us for a Great Movie & Healthcare Forum
We are really excited and grateful for the opportunity to bring the documentary, Waking the Sleeping Giant, here to Charleston. Don't miss a chance to see this amazing film. The first screening taking place Monday, December 4 at the Underground Cinema. Read this post for details and additional showtimes. We are also co-hosting a healthcare forum with our allies on Thursday, December 7 to discuss why our current system is broken, how it could be improved, and what we're doing locally to build a movement for healthcare for all. More details here. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy, Economy, Families, Healthcare
Join Us for a Great Movie & Healthcare Forum
We are really excited and grateful for the opportunity to bring the documentary, Waking the Sleeping Giant, here to Charleston. Don't miss a chance to see this amazing film. The first screening taking place Monday, December 4 at the Underground Cinema. Read this post for details and additional showtimes. We are also co-hosting a healthcare forum with our allies on Thursday, December 7 to discuss why our current system is broken, how it could be improved, and what we're doing locally to build a movement for healthcare for all. More details here. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy, Economy, Families, Healthcare
Newsletter article CAG November 26, 2017
Grassroots Summit Helps Grow People-Powered Movement
This September, over 150 people from across the state, came together for the WV Grassroots Summit, a two-day planning and grassroots organizing summit in Buckhannon, WV. During this two day summit, folks had the opportunity to join in on trainings, workshops, projects, networking opportunities, roundtable discussions, and more. We look forward to co-hosting future events to build on this people-powered momentum! More
Issues: Civil Rights, Families
Grassroots Summit Helps Grow People-Powered Movement
This September, over 150 people from across the state, came together for the WV Grassroots Summit, a two-day planning and grassroots organizing summit in Buckhannon, WV. During this two day summit, folks had the opportunity to join in on trainings, workshops, projects, networking opportunities, roundtable discussions, and more. We look forward to co-hosting future events to build on this people-powered momentum! More
Issues: Civil Rights, Families
Newsletter article CAG November 25, 2017
Suicide of Environmentalist and Other Poems
by the Hillbilly Poet "I ponder on small thoughts how they trouble big people. I am a spectator in the game of life." More
Issues: Civil Rights, Economy, Environment, Families
Suicide of Environmentalist and Other Poems
by the Hillbilly Poet "I ponder on small thoughts how they trouble big people. I am a spectator in the game of life." More
Issues: Civil Rights, Economy, Environment, Families
Newsletter CAG November 25, 2017
Capital Eye: Fall 2017 Vol. 10 No. 12
We may not have been able to stop Trump from taking office, but we can and will continue to fight back against his disastrous policies and executive orders. With your support, WV Citizen Action is ready to keep the pressure on Trump, as well as federal and state lawmakers supporting his agenda. Click here for actions you can take now to push back against efforts to repeal the Clean Power Plan, and giving massive, unnecessary tax cuts to billionaires that will force cuts in health care, education and other vital programs. Our fight isn’t just in Washington. We've also included actions you can take to protect West Virginia consumers and energy efficiency programs at the PSC. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy, Economy, Energy, Environment, Fair taxation, Healthcare
Capital Eye: Fall 2017 Vol. 10 No. 12
We may not have been able to stop Trump from taking office, but we can and will continue to fight back against his disastrous policies and executive orders. With your support, WV Citizen Action is ready to keep the pressure on Trump, as well as federal and state lawmakers supporting his agenda. Click here for actions you can take now to push back against efforts to repeal the Clean Power Plan, and giving massive, unnecessary tax cuts to billionaires that will force cuts in health care, education and other vital programs. Our fight isn’t just in Washington. We've also included actions you can take to protect West Virginia consumers and energy efficiency programs at the PSC. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy, Economy, Energy, Environment, Fair taxation, Healthcare
Citizen Action Group Blog CAG November 7, 2017
Charleston’s ordinance directed at homeless panhandling
On Monday, November 6, 2017, nine council members* from Charleston, West Virginia, City Council introduced a bill to change how soliciting works in Charleston. The bill is directed at a perceived homeless problem in Charleston, and so-called “aggressive panhandling.” WV Citizen Action Group has some concerns about this law. Stay tuned in this space for our specific comments. In the meantime, you can read the proposed ordinance here. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy, Families
Charleston’s ordinance directed at homeless panhandling
On Monday, November 6, 2017, nine council members* from Charleston, West Virginia, City Council introduced a bill to change how soliciting works in Charleston. The bill is directed at a perceived homeless problem in Charleston, and so-called “aggressive panhandling.” WV Citizen Action Group has some concerns about this law. Stay tuned in this space for our specific comments. In the meantime, you can read the proposed ordinance here. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy, Families
Advocacy Letter CAG October 31, 2017
Letter of Concern to FBI Regarding Assessment Targeting “Black Identity Extremists”
An FBI intelligence assessment was recently leaked that singled out "Black Identity Extremists" as a likely threat to attack law enforcement officers. Given the FBI's history of survelling and harassing African American leaders, and the reality that white supremacy constitutes a much greater threat, this assessment raises serious concerns. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy, Families
Letter of Concern to FBI Regarding Assessment Targeting “Black Identity Extremists”
An FBI intelligence assessment was recently leaked that singled out "Black Identity Extremists" as a likely threat to attack law enforcement officers. Given the FBI's history of survelling and harassing African American leaders, and the reality that white supremacy constitutes a much greater threat, this assessment raises serious concerns. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy, Families