Capital Eye: Vol. 12 No. 7

Wednesday the 27^th 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.

There are lots of actions YOU can take from the comfort of your home or office! Read the articles below for updates and to find those actions (in bold).

Teachers, Guns and Medicaid Crossover on Week 6
The 2-day teacher strike was surely the most remarkable aspect of this week at the Capitol. As the Senate was busy making the House’s (much better) version of SB 451 back into the horrible bill it started out as, teacher’s and school personnel leaders were on the Senate steps calling them all out on strike.
Tagged: Budget Priorities, Civil Rights, Families, Healthcare

Tell Senators to Say NO to More Money in WV Elections
Can you afford to give $2,800 to a candidate, $5,000 to a political action committee (PAC), or $10,000 to a political party? On Thursday, the Senate Judiciary Committee just passed a major campaign finance overhaul bill that would allow even more big money into a system that already favors the wealthy and special interests. SB 622 increases campaign contribution limits from $1,000 to $2,800 for candidates, to $5,000 for PACs, and to $10,000 per year for party committees. That means state and local elections that suddenly look more like the worst big-money congressional elections.
Tagged: Civil Rights, Democracy

Attacking, packing courts won’t restore faith in system
On Valentine’s Day, news broke that former state Supreme Court Justice Allen Loughry will spend two years in prison for using his position for personal gain, actions which came to light as reporters looked into lavish spending on renovations at the court, and Loughry sought to shirk responsibility and shift blame by going to federal prosecutors.
Tagged: Civil Rights, Democracy