Category: Newsletter article
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Newsletter article Julie Archer January 21, 2020
The Curious Case of Frederick County Virginia
You may have read or heard about the WV Senate passing a resolution inviting Frederick County, VA to become part of West Virginia. The resolution’s sponsor, Sen. Charles Trump, R-Morgan, said the idea is rooted in history that predates West Virginia entering the union. So why wasn’t Frederick County included in the state of West Virginia when the new state was formed? More
The Curious Case of Frederick County Virginia
You may have read or heard about the WV Senate passing a resolution inviting Frederick County, VA to become part of West Virginia. The resolution’s sponsor, Sen. Charles Trump, R-Morgan, said the idea is rooted in history that predates West Virginia entering the union. So why wasn’t Frederick County included in the state of West Virginia when the new state was formed? More
Newsletter article Julie Archer January 21, 2020
Post-Citizens United, We Can Make Democracy Healthy Again
Tuesday marks ten years since the US Supreme Court issued its decision in Citizens United v. the FEC. In the case, the Court ruled that corporations and other outside groups could not be restricted from spending money on elections. This led to the creation and growth of super PACs and the rise of dark money spending, increasing the power of the wealthiest donors and special interests to influence our elections. More
Issues: Clean elections
Post-Citizens United, We Can Make Democracy Healthy Again
Tuesday marks ten years since the US Supreme Court issued its decision in Citizens United v. the FEC. In the case, the Court ruled that corporations and other outside groups could not be restricted from spending money on elections. This led to the creation and growth of super PACs and the rise of dark money spending, increasing the power of the wealthiest donors and special interests to influence our elections. More
Issues: Clean elections
Newsletter article Gary Zuckett January 21, 2020
Week Two with Two Marches
The legislative session is building momentum but still has a month to the frantic deadlines for bills to crossover to the other house or die. So far 988 House bills and 594 in the Senate have been introduced. As mentioned last time, blessedly the majority won’t make the crossover, or even make a committee agenda. More
Issues: Event, Healthcare, Inequality, Water, Workers
Week Two with Two Marches
The legislative session is building momentum but still has a month to the frantic deadlines for bills to crossover to the other house or die. So far 988 House bills and 594 in the Senate have been introduced. As mentioned last time, blessedly the majority won’t make the crossover, or even make a committee agenda. More
Issues: Event, Healthcare, Inequality, Water, Workers
Newsletter article Gary Zuckett January 14, 2020
2020 Session Kicks off with a State of the State Yawn
Our governor’s State of the State speech last week seemed more of a re-election rally than serious look at what we’ll be facing in the new decade. Phil Kabler’s Statehouse column gives a much needed reality check on the problems facing our state as it lurches into this century’s ‘Roaring Twenties’. More
Issues: Clean elections, Event, Healthcare, Water
2020 Session Kicks off with a State of the State Yawn
Our governor’s State of the State speech last week seemed more of a re-election rally than serious look at what we’ll be facing in the new decade. Phil Kabler’s Statehouse column gives a much needed reality check on the problems facing our state as it lurches into this century’s ‘Roaring Twenties’. More
Issues: Clean elections, Event, Healthcare, Water
Newsletter article January 14, 2020
Join us for a VIRTUAL Citizen Lobbyist Training!
Are you getting ready to lobby an elected official for the first time? Need to brush up on your skills? No sweat! This virtual training session will walk you through the basics of lobbying -- what to expect, how to prepare, and why you shouldn't feel nervous about speaking to elected leaders who answer to YOU. More
Issues: Event
Join us for a VIRTUAL Citizen Lobbyist Training!
Are you getting ready to lobby an elected official for the first time? Need to brush up on your skills? No sweat! This virtual training session will walk you through the basics of lobbying -- what to expect, how to prepare, and why you shouldn't feel nervous about speaking to elected leaders who answer to YOU. More
Issues: Event
Newsletter article January 14, 2020
Say No to Removing Regulations of Tanks Near Drinking Water Intakes
HB4079 exempts certain tanks used by the oil and gas industry from the Aboveground Storage Tank Act. This bill is particularly alarming because it deregulates tanks that are located closest to our public drinking water intakes! Tell members of the House Energy committee to protect our drinking water and reject HB4079. More
Issues: Water
Say No to Removing Regulations of Tanks Near Drinking Water Intakes
HB4079 exempts certain tanks used by the oil and gas industry from the Aboveground Storage Tank Act. This bill is particularly alarming because it deregulates tanks that are located closest to our public drinking water intakes! Tell members of the House Energy committee to protect our drinking water and reject HB4079. More
Issues: Water
Newsletter article Savanna Lyons January 14, 2020
Power to the People: Electoral Strategy Day
2020 is our big chance to shift the political balance in West Virginia and push our elected leaders to stand up work for working people. There are lots of ways to get involved. More
Issues: Event
Power to the People: Electoral Strategy Day
2020 is our big chance to shift the political balance in West Virginia and push our elected leaders to stand up work for working people. There are lots of ways to get involved. More
Issues: Event
Newsletter article Julie Archer January 13, 2020
This Session, Join Us in the Fight for a Democracy that Works for Everyone
The 2020 legislative session has begun and we’re ready to fight for a democracy that works for everyone -- a democracy where everyone participates, every vote is counted, and everyone's voice is heard. This year, our goal is to elevate and build support for the Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform with emphasis on priority planks for WV Citizens for Clean Elections partners and allies. More
Issues: Clean elections
This Session, Join Us in the Fight for a Democracy that Works for Everyone
The 2020 legislative session has begun and we’re ready to fight for a democracy that works for everyone -- a democracy where everyone participates, every vote is counted, and everyone's voice is heard. This year, our goal is to elevate and build support for the Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform with emphasis on priority planks for WV Citizens for Clean Elections partners and allies. More
Issues: Clean elections
Newsletter article Julie Archer March 4, 2019
Tell Delegates to Say YES to Transparency, NO to More Money in WV Elections
On Tuesday, the Senate 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. More
Issues: Clean elections
Tell Delegates to Say YES to Transparency, NO to More Money in WV Elections
On Tuesday, the Senate 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. More
Issues: Clean elections
Newsletter article Gary Zuckett March 4, 2019
One Week to Go @ WV Legislature!
Each week keeps getting wilder at the 2019 legislature. Last week was no exception. Wednesday was "Crossover Day", when all bills needed to be passed out of their "house of origin." It was a week of highs and lows, but mostly lows. Read on to see what mischief, mayhem and madness transpired. More
Issues: Budget priorities, DEP, Discrimination, Education, Energy, Fair taxation, Healthcare, Inequality, Kids and families, Medicare, Social security, Water
One Week to Go @ WV Legislature!
Each week keeps getting wilder at the 2019 legislature. Last week was no exception. Wednesday was "Crossover Day", when all bills needed to be passed out of their "house of origin." It was a week of highs and lows, but mostly lows. Read on to see what mischief, mayhem and madness transpired. More
Issues: Budget priorities, DEP, Discrimination, Education, Energy, Fair taxation, Healthcare, Inequality, Kids and families, Medicare, Social security, Water
Newsletter article Julie Archer February 25, 2019
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. More
Issues: Clean elections
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. More
Issues: Clean elections
Newsletter article Julie Archer February 25, 2019
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. More
Issues: Clean elections
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. More
Issues: Clean elections
Newsletter article Gary Zuckett February 25, 2019
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. More
Issues: DEP, Healthcare, Medicare, Water
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. More
Issues: DEP, Healthcare, Medicare, Water
Newsletter article Savanna Lyons February 11, 2019
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. More
Issues: Discrimination, Education, Inequality
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. More
Issues: Discrimination, Education, Inequality
Newsletter article February 10, 2019
Senate Sends Water Quality Rule to the House With No Updated Health Protections
The 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! More
Issues: Pollution, Water
Senate Sends Water Quality Rule to the House With No Updated Health Protections
The 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! More
Issues: Pollution, Water
Newsletter article Gary Zuckett February 10, 2019
Half-Way There
Last 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. More
Issues: Discrimination, Education, Energy, Kids and families, Pollution, SNAP, Water
Half-Way There
Last 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. More
Issues: Discrimination, Education, Energy, Kids and families, Pollution, SNAP, Water
Newsletter article Julie Archer February 10, 2019
Calls Needed to Help Advance the Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform
West 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! More
Issues: Clean elections
Calls Needed to Help Advance the Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform
West 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! More
Issues: Clean elections
Newsletter article Gary Zuckett January 28, 2019
Week Three Heats Things Up
The 2019 WV Legislature now has 1,119 bills on its plate and is starting to get a heartburn that Tums won’t cure. The first three bills described below are a major source of the legislative indigestion. They cover foster care, education, and yet again, the courts. More
Issues: Civil Justice, Education, Energy, Our children our future, Water
Week Three Heats Things Up
The 2019 WV Legislature now has 1,119 bills on its plate and is starting to get a heartburn that Tums won’t cure. The first three bills described below are a major source of the legislative indigestion. They cover foster care, education, and yet again, the courts. More
Issues: Civil Justice, Education, Energy, Our children our future, Water
Newsletter article Julie Archer January 27, 2019
Pro-Democracy Platform Update: Voting Rights Restoration, Court Bills Advancing
As we mentioned last week, several bills have been introduced that help advance the goals of the Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform. Two of these bills have started to work their way through the legislative process. More details here, along with a complete list of bills we’re supporting as part of the Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform. More
Issues: Civil Justice, Clean elections
Pro-Democracy Platform Update: Voting Rights Restoration, Court Bills Advancing
As we mentioned last week, several bills have been introduced that help advance the goals of the Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform. Two of these bills have started to work their way through the legislative process. More details here, along with a complete list of bills we’re supporting as part of the Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform. More
Issues: Civil Justice, Clean elections
Newsletter article January 21, 2019
Tell Lawmakers to Protect Our Health
Please call the members of the Senate Energy, Industry and Mining committee today. Tell them “to adopt the EPA-recommended human health criteria updates that strengthen our water protections!” More
Issues: Pollution, Water
Tell Lawmakers to Protect Our Health
Please call the members of the Senate Energy, Industry and Mining committee today. Tell them “to adopt the EPA-recommended human health criteria updates that strengthen our water protections!” More
Issues: Pollution, Water
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