Posts by CAG
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Action Alert CAG February 26, 2016
Oh, SNAP!
At the beginning of the year, Governor Tomblin imposed a pilot in nine counties across the state that would require Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) - also known as Food Stamps - recipients to work 20 hours a week if they are able-bodied adults between the ages of 18 and 50; this pilot does include exemptions for individuals with dependents or who have mental or physical disabilities. During session, our legislature has been continuously proposing bills that would create stricter requirements and reduce SNAP benefits even further. While these work requirements may sound good, there are major issues we should consider before implementing such requirements. More
Issues: Budget Priorities, Democracy, Economy, Families
Oh, SNAP!
At the beginning of the year, Governor Tomblin imposed a pilot in nine counties across the state that would require Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) - also known as Food Stamps - recipients to work 20 hours a week if they are able-bodied adults between the ages of 18 and 50; this pilot does include exemptions for individuals with dependents or who have mental or physical disabilities. During session, our legislature has been continuously proposing bills that would create stricter requirements and reduce SNAP benefits even further. While these work requirements may sound good, there are major issues we should consider before implementing such requirements. More
Issues: Budget Priorities, Democracy, Economy, Families
Newsletter CAG February 22, 2016
Capital Eye: Unintended Consequences
We hope you enjoyed your warm weekend! Now, start off your Monday right (or should we say 'left'?) with an update on what's been happening at our state Capitol. Don't forget to click the bold links to take action! More
Issues: Budget Priorities, Civil Rights, Energy, Environment, Healthcare
Capital Eye: Unintended Consequences
We hope you enjoyed your warm weekend! Now, start off your Monday right (or should we say 'left'?) with an update on what's been happening at our state Capitol. Don't forget to click the bold links to take action! More
Issues: Budget Priorities, Civil Rights, Energy, Environment, Healthcare
Action Alert CAG February 18, 2016
Take Action TODAY: Don’t Let Republicans Suppress the Vote
Republicans in the House of Delegates are pushing a bill that would suppress our right to vote. Last week, the House Judiciary Committee advanced HB 4013, which would require voters to provide photo identification when voting. The bill passed the committee on a strict party-line vote, with Republicans voting in favor and Democrats opposed, and will be voted on by the full House TOMORROW. Take action NOW to stop Republicans from suppressing our right to vote! More
Issues: Civil Rights, Families
Take Action TODAY: Don’t Let Republicans Suppress the Vote
Republicans in the House of Delegates are pushing a bill that would suppress our right to vote. Last week, the House Judiciary Committee advanced HB 4013, which would require voters to provide photo identification when voting. The bill passed the committee on a strict party-line vote, with Republicans voting in favor and Democrats opposed, and will be voted on by the full House TOMORROW. Take action NOW to stop Republicans from suppressing our right to vote! More
Issues: Civil Rights, Families
Newsletter CAG February 15, 2016
Capital Eye: Midway to…?
We hope your Valentine's Day weekend was full of lots of flowers and chocolate! Today, whether you're stuck inside with the kids on a snow day or hard at work, we hope you'll fill some time with reading this update and taking action. We've reached the midway point of the 2016 legislative session; now is the time it's imperative you take action and let your voice be heard! More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy, Energy, Environment, Fair taxation
Capital Eye: Midway to…?
We hope your Valentine's Day weekend was full of lots of flowers and chocolate! Today, whether you're stuck inside with the kids on a snow day or hard at work, we hope you'll fill some time with reading this update and taking action. We've reached the midway point of the 2016 legislative session; now is the time it's imperative you take action and let your voice be heard! More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy, Energy, Environment, Fair taxation
Citizen Action Group Blog CAG February 14, 2016
Senate GOP Stalls Campaign Finance Bill
SB 408, a campaign finance bill that would increase contribution limits, stalled in committee after Senators amended the bill to increase disclosure of third-party political spending. It remains to be seen if the bill will reconsidered. In the meantime, six Democrats in the House introduced HB 4527, which would require any group that spends more than $1,000 to influence our elections to say where the money came from. The bill would also close the “covered transfers” loophole that allows so-called “social welfare” groups to serve as money conduits to Super PACs. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy
Senate GOP Stalls Campaign Finance Bill
SB 408, a campaign finance bill that would increase contribution limits, stalled in committee after Senators amended the bill to increase disclosure of third-party political spending. It remains to be seen if the bill will reconsidered. In the meantime, six Democrats in the House introduced HB 4527, which would require any group that spends more than $1,000 to influence our elections to say where the money came from. The bill would also close the “covered transfers” loophole that allows so-called “social welfare” groups to serve as money conduits to Super PACs. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy
Citizen Action Group Blog CAG February 14, 2016
House of Delegates Likely to Vote on Voter ID Requirement This Week
Statistically, an individual is more likely to be killed by lightning than to commit in-person voter fraud. HB 4013 is a “solution looking for a problem.” Please contact your delegates and ask them to vote “No” on this unnecessary and restrictive voter ID law. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy
House of Delegates Likely to Vote on Voter ID Requirement This Week
Statistically, an individual is more likely to be killed by lightning than to commit in-person voter fraud. HB 4013 is a “solution looking for a problem.” Please contact your delegates and ask them to vote “No” on this unnecessary and restrictive voter ID law. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy
Advocacy Letter CAG February 8, 2016
Oppose H.R. 766 (Luetkemeyer)
We oppose H.R. 766 (Luetkemeyer) which will restrict efforts to protect consumers and banks from fraud, money-laundering, and other illegal activities. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Economy, Families
Oppose H.R. 766 (Luetkemeyer)
We oppose H.R. 766 (Luetkemeyer) which will restrict efforts to protect consumers and banks from fraud, money-laundering, and other illegal activities. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Economy, Families
Citizen Action Group Blog CAG February 8, 2016
Right to Discriminate
The Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) – HB 4012 – has made its way through committee and is likely to appear on the House agenda for its first reading this week. This bill, which is similar to the one passed in Indiana, would allow individuals to not abide by local or state policies, laws, or actions that they claim violate their religious beliefs. Opponents of the bill, thus, fear the bill legalizing discrimination, especially against the LGBTQ community. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Families
Right to Discriminate
The Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) – HB 4012 – has made its way through committee and is likely to appear on the House agenda for its first reading this week. This bill, which is similar to the one passed in Indiana, would allow individuals to not abide by local or state policies, laws, or actions that they claim violate their religious beliefs. Opponents of the bill, thus, fear the bill legalizing discrimination, especially against the LGBTQ community. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Families
Newsletter CAG February 8, 2016
Capital Eye: Groundhog Week
We hope you had a great weekend! Our weekend was packed full with committee meetings and lobbying visits, as the Senate decided to convene. This is why our "weekend" update is coming to you at the beginning of the week; we didn't forget about you! Read on for a full update on last week's happenings and a look ahead at this week's. More
Issues: Budget Priorities, Civil Rights, Democracy, Economy, Energy, Environment, Workers
Capital Eye: Groundhog Week
We hope you had a great weekend! Our weekend was packed full with committee meetings and lobbying visits, as the Senate decided to convene. This is why our "weekend" update is coming to you at the beginning of the week; we didn't forget about you! Read on for a full update on last week's happenings and a look ahead at this week's. More
Issues: Budget Priorities, Civil Rights, Democracy, Economy, Energy, Environment, Workers
Citizen Action Group Blog CAG February 7, 2016
WV Senate to Consider Raising Campaign Contribution Limits
Please contact members of the Senate Judiciary Committee and your legislators and tell them to vote "No" on SB 408. Allowing more money into our elections without increasing disclosure is self-serving and keeps West Virginians in the dark about who is trying to influence their votes. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy
WV Senate to Consider Raising Campaign Contribution Limits
Please contact members of the Senate Judiciary Committee and your legislators and tell them to vote "No" on SB 408. Allowing more money into our elections without increasing disclosure is self-serving and keeps West Virginians in the dark about who is trying to influence their votes. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy
Action Alert CAG February 5, 2016
Take Action for Safe Drinking Water!
Support stronger protections for your drinking water to prevent another water crisis like the one in Charleston January 2014? Here are a few easy actions you can take to protect your drinking water. More
Issues: Environment
Take Action for Safe Drinking Water!
Support stronger protections for your drinking water to prevent another water crisis like the one in Charleston January 2014? Here are a few easy actions you can take to protect your drinking water. More
Issues: Environment
Newsletter CAG January 23, 2016
Capital Eye Update: 1/23/16
We're here to help you pass the time as the snow continues to accumulate and keep you inside (if you're lucky)! Click for your first "Capital Eye" weekend update of the 2016 West Virginia Legislative Session. Curl up, stay warm, and catch-up on what's been happening in Charleston the last 10 days! More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy, Economy, Energy, Workers
Capital Eye Update: 1/23/16
We're here to help you pass the time as the snow continues to accumulate and keep you inside (if you're lucky)! Click for your first "Capital Eye" weekend update of the 2016 West Virginia Legislative Session. Curl up, stay warm, and catch-up on what's been happening in Charleston the last 10 days! More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy, Economy, Energy, Workers
Advocacy Letter CAG January 15, 2016
National and Local Organizations Support the U.S. Refugee Resettlement Program and Oppose Legislation that Would Stop the Resettlement of Syrian Refugees
As refugee and immigration law experts, humanitarian aid organizations, faith, labor and civil and human rights groups, we write to express our support for the U.S. refugee resettlement program and opposition to legislation that would stop, pause or defund the resettlement of Syrian refugees. We urge you to oppose the American Security against Foreign Enemies (SAFE) Act of 2015 (H.R. 4038). The world is witnessing the largest refugee crisis since World War II. More than 4 million Syrians have fled from their home country fleeing conflict and violence, and 6.5 million are displaced internally. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Families
National and Local Organizations Support the U.S. Refugee Resettlement Program and Oppose Legislation that Would Stop the Resettlement of Syrian Refugees
As refugee and immigration law experts, humanitarian aid organizations, faith, labor and civil and human rights groups, we write to express our support for the U.S. refugee resettlement program and opposition to legislation that would stop, pause or defund the resettlement of Syrian refugees. We urge you to oppose the American Security against Foreign Enemies (SAFE) Act of 2015 (H.R. 4038). The world is witnessing the largest refugee crisis since World War II. More than 4 million Syrians have fled from their home country fleeing conflict and violence, and 6.5 million are displaced internally. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Families
Newsletter CAG January 15, 2016
Capital Eye Newsletter; January 2016
Read the latest edition of the 'Capital Eye' newsletter to learn what we've been doing the past few months and what we will be doing the next few! More
Issues: Democracy, Energy, Environment, Families
Capital Eye Newsletter; January 2016
Read the latest edition of the 'Capital Eye' newsletter to learn what we've been doing the past few months and what we will be doing the next few! More
Issues: Democracy, Energy, Environment, Families
Citizen Action Group Blog CAG January 5, 2016
Competitions Inspiring Energy Savings for ApCo Customers
WV CAG's Energy Efficient West Virginia (EEWV) project has been hard at work recently preparing for two new energy saving competitions in West Virginia: The Non-Profit Efficiency Engagement Program and Energy Efficient Charleston. Energy efficiency can help improve a number of problems facing our state, such as high unemployment and lowering bills for people struggling in today’s economy. More
Issues: Energy efficiency
Competitions Inspiring Energy Savings for ApCo Customers
WV CAG's Energy Efficient West Virginia (EEWV) project has been hard at work recently preparing for two new energy saving competitions in West Virginia: The Non-Profit Efficiency Engagement Program and Energy Efficient Charleston. Energy efficiency can help improve a number of problems facing our state, such as high unemployment and lowering bills for people struggling in today’s economy. More
Issues: Energy efficiency
Advocacy Letter CAG December 17, 2015
Oppose HR 4018
We want to alert you to HR 4018 the so called Consumer Protection and Choice Act. The proposed bill to postpone the CFPB's payday rule and exempt states that enact bad consumer rules similar to those currently enacted in Florida. Florida's law has trapped consumers in interest rates that are typically 300% APR, and the average borrower still takes out seven loans per year. We are joined by more than 200 faith-based, consumer, labor, and community organizations across the country in opposing this damaging legislation. More
Issues: Civil Rights
Oppose HR 4018
We want to alert you to HR 4018 the so called Consumer Protection and Choice Act. The proposed bill to postpone the CFPB's payday rule and exempt states that enact bad consumer rules similar to those currently enacted in Florida. Florida's law has trapped consumers in interest rates that are typically 300% APR, and the average borrower still takes out seven loans per year. We are joined by more than 200 faith-based, consumer, labor, and community organizations across the country in opposing this damaging legislation. More
Issues: Civil Rights
Action Alert CAG December 10, 2015
We can’t let this slip by
Members of Congress are currently negotiating the budget deal to avoid a government shutdown. While there will likely be a small funding bill to extend the deadline till next week, a deal must be made soon. The main sticking point: policy riders. More
Issues: Budget Priorities, Civil Rights, Democracy
We can’t let this slip by
Members of Congress are currently negotiating the budget deal to avoid a government shutdown. While there will likely be a small funding bill to extend the deadline till next week, a deal must be made soon. The main sticking point: policy riders. More
Issues: Budget Priorities, Civil Rights, Democracy
Citizen Action Group Blog CAG November 3, 2015
Fair Courts: Money, politics tipping scales of justice?
If you went to court tomorrow, would you ultimately get a fair and impartial decision? Or are the scales of justice tilted by special interests spending big and playing dirty in efforts to shape elected courts to their liking? A new national report underscores the troubling answer to these questions. Bankrolling the Bench: The New Politics of Judicial Elections 2013-14, by nonpartisan organizations Justice at Stake, the Brennan Center for Justice, and the National Institute on Money in State Politics examines such attempts to influence state Supreme Courts. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy, Families
Fair Courts: Money, politics tipping scales of justice?
If you went to court tomorrow, would you ultimately get a fair and impartial decision? Or are the scales of justice tilted by special interests spending big and playing dirty in efforts to shape elected courts to their liking? A new national report underscores the troubling answer to these questions. Bankrolling the Bench: The New Politics of Judicial Elections 2013-14, by nonpartisan organizations Justice at Stake, the Brennan Center for Justice, and the National Institute on Money in State Politics examines such attempts to influence state Supreme Courts. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy, Families
Advocacy Letter CAG October 27, 2015
Pass a clean budget bill and reject attacks on CFPB’s authority on forced arbitration
We are joining other consumer advocates in calling for the passage of a clean budget and the rejection of any riders that would affect the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's ability to continue its rulemaking on binding mandatory arbitration clauses in consumer financial services contracts. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy, Economy
Pass a clean budget bill and reject attacks on CFPB’s authority on forced arbitration
We are joining other consumer advocates in calling for the passage of a clean budget and the rejection of any riders that would affect the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's ability to continue its rulemaking on binding mandatory arbitration clauses in consumer financial services contracts. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy, Economy
Citizen Action Group Blog CAG October 21, 2015
Grassroots energy campaign also happening in the neighborhood President Obama is visiting
Today, President Obama will make his way to Charleston’s East End to discuss the overwhelming problem of opioid abuse and overdose in the state. The East End Family Resource Center will host the president in the Roosevelt Neighborhood Center building near the offices of WV Citizen Action Group and Energy Efficient West Virginia (EEWV). One of the problems cited as leading to widespread prescription drug abuse has the sluggish economy in West Virginia, but right across the street from where the President is speaking, residents have taken steps to improve their homes and create new jobs in energy efficiency. More
Issues: Energy, Energy efficiency
Grassroots energy campaign also happening in the neighborhood President Obama is visiting
Today, President Obama will make his way to Charleston’s East End to discuss the overwhelming problem of opioid abuse and overdose in the state. The East End Family Resource Center will host the president in the Roosevelt Neighborhood Center building near the offices of WV Citizen Action Group and Energy Efficient West Virginia (EEWV). One of the problems cited as leading to widespread prescription drug abuse has the sluggish economy in West Virginia, but right across the street from where the President is speaking, residents have taken steps to improve their homes and create new jobs in energy efficiency. More
Issues: Energy, Energy efficiency