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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. The legislative calendar contains these significant cut-off points over the next three weeks:
- Tuesday, February 12th: Last day to introduce bills in the House
- Monday, February 18th: Last day to introduce bills in the Senate
- Wednesday, February 27th: Last day to vote on (pass) a bill in its house of origin – also known as Crossover Day
Click the articles below to get caught up on where different legislation stands right now. Remember to call your Delegate(s) and Senator(s) often to let them know where you stand on various issues!
Lastly, don’t forget about the Rise Up Community Fair in Charleston this Wednesday. We hope to see you there!
Half-Way ThereLast 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. Tagged: Discrimination, Education, Energy, Kids and families, Pollution, SNAP, Water 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.Tagged: Discrimination, Education, Inequality Calls Needed to Help Advance the Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption PlatformWest 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!Tagged: Clean elections Senate Sends Water Quality Rule to the House With No Updated Health ProtectionsThe West Virginia Senate voted Thursday to pass the water quality standards rule (SB 163) without updated protections for drinking water. Join us in thanking the 12 Senators that voted NO on the bill that did not include the updated protections. Let them know you appreciate them being champions for public health and safe drinking water. We’ll need to put even more pressure on members of the House as they begin to consider the bill. The legislature is listening and there is a still a long way to go until the bill is law. Stay engaged!Tagged: Pollution, Water |
