Capital Eye Vol. 17 No. 11: Education, Action, Civic Engagement

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We’ve been busy! In September, our healthcare team hosted several online and in-person events to help demystify Medicare (dis) Advantage plans, with more to come this month. Our climate and energy team is busy educating on ARCH2 impacts, expanding air monitoring, fighting rate hikes, and raising awareness on utility justice for West Virginians. There was a (not-so) special session where lawmakers passed a controversial nuclear waste regulation bill and more tax cuts that primarily benefit the wealthy. Whew! And, oh yeah, there’s an important election coming up. Dive into our latest newsletter to discover more about our initiatives and ways to volunteer or get involved.

If you aren’t already, please consider becoming a supporting member of WV Citizen Action or making a tax deductible donation to our Citizen Action Education Fund. Together, we can create the change our communities need.

2024 General Election Resources
So many important issues are on the ballot this year—so don’t sit this one out! Here’s a compilation of resources to help you get #VoteReady so you can make your voice heard.
Tagged: Democracy

Beyond the Hype: The Truth About Medicare (Dis)Advantage
September was a busy month for our healthcare team! We have been working hard to ensure folks know where to go to get accurate information regarding Medicare (dis) Advantage during the open enrollment period. We are scheduling more in-person community events to get beyond the hype around these plans.
Tagged: Healthcare

Clean Energy Snake Oil in Mingo County
A New York-based company with a history of failed energy projects is proposing to build the world's largest ammonia plant in Mingo County. This is a grave threat to all of us, especially the people of Gilbert and the surrounding communities.
Tagged: Environment

ARCH2 (Dis)engagement Continues to Fail West Virginians
No energy project should develop in our state without meaningful input from community members. Engagement cannot be a closed-off webinar with no questions, commentary, or discussion. Even more, engagement cannot be an afterthought to check the boxes of the simple engagement expected by the DOE and dismiss community concerns. If this concerns you, get involved with our climate program!
Tagged: Energy, Environment

Not-So Special Session Wraps Up Three Weeks Before Election
The governor didn’t get his entire 5% additional cut to the personal income tax but, he did get a 2% reduction. Addressing child care for working families received lip service. A rushed nuclear waste bill passed with lots of questions, and few answers. However, there was some good for our farmers and emergency medical services. Details here.
Tagged: Budget Priorities, Environment, Fair taxation, Families

AEP Rate Hikes – Not Done Yet!
While Appalachian Power claims they need more money for fuel and infrastructure, we’ve pushed back, highlighting that energy efficiency and renewables could lower costs and make the state’s energy future more sustainable. We'll keep fighting and continue intervening in cases before the PSC.
Tagged: Energy, Environment, Families

Life and Death on the Ballot: Vote No on Amendment 1 in November
The same government that allows people to get sick in the name of profits won’t allow them to end their lives with dignity and on their own terms. The supposedly “pro-life” rationale is also contradicted by the unnecessary endorsement of capital punishment.
Tagged: Civil Rights, Democracy, Healthcare

Election Alert: 18 WV Counties Face Poll Worker Shortage
Election administrators across West Virginia are preparing for upcoming elections — and 18 counties needmore poll workers to help keep polling places open. Help us Power the Polls to make sure the election is fair, efficient, and accessible to everyone who wants to cast their vote.
Tagged: Democracy

Upcoming Events
Get Out the Vote for for Clean Water, Good Jobs, and Healthy Communities. Helping Hour with Swingstein & Robin - Oct. 24th Supporting WV CAG. WV CAG’s 50th Anniversary Celebration, Jan. 11th at the WV Culture Center. More details here.
Tagged: Democracy, Environment