Category: Newsletter article
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Newsletter article Julie Archer February 29, 2020
Don’t Let Powerful Special Interests Have Their Way with Our Courts
On Thursday, WV Citizens for Clean Elections partners and allies spoke out against proposed legislation to create an intermediate court of appeals in a hearing before the House Judiciary Committee. SB 275 will likely make it out of Judiciary today; messages to House Finance to are needed to stop it. More
Issues: Civil Justice
Don’t Let Powerful Special Interests Have Their Way with Our Courts
On Thursday, WV Citizens for Clean Elections partners and allies spoke out against proposed legislation to create an intermediate court of appeals in a hearing before the House Judiciary Committee. SB 275 will likely make it out of Judiciary today; messages to House Finance to are needed to stop it. More
Issues: Civil Justice
Newsletter article Gary Zuckett February 29, 2020
One Week to Go
Anti-protest bill HB 4615 (so-called protecting critical infrastructure) is now in Senate Judiciary. Calls to Chair Charles Trump are needed to ask him to ignore it and let it expire. Back-up messages to Judiciary members to vote no are also encouraged, if it does make the committee agenda. This is the bill that adds felonies and high fines tor those charged with civil disobedience (or even conspiracy to do so) at so-called "critical infrastructure" sites! More
Issues: Budget priorities, Civil Justice, Energy, Healthcare, Inequality, Kids and families
One Week to Go
Anti-protest bill HB 4615 (so-called protecting critical infrastructure) is now in Senate Judiciary. Calls to Chair Charles Trump are needed to ask him to ignore it and let it expire. Back-up messages to Judiciary members to vote no are also encouraged, if it does make the committee agenda. This is the bill that adds felonies and high fines tor those charged with civil disobedience (or even conspiracy to do so) at so-called "critical infrastructure" sites! More
Issues: Budget priorities, Civil Justice, Energy, Healthcare, Inequality, Kids and families
Newsletter article Savanna Lyons February 25, 2020
Support HB 4543 for Affordable, Life Saving Insulin!
The WV legislature is considering a bipartisan bill, HB 4543, that would cap copays for life-saving insulin at $25 for a 30-day supply. Currently, the cost of insurance co-payments for insulin can exceed $600 per month. The average price of insulin nearly tripled between 2002 and 2013, and has continued to rise. As many as 1 in 4 diabetics, including many with insurance, have started rationing their insulin because of the higher prices. Rationing insulin can result in strokes, comas or even death. More
Issues: Healthcare
Support HB 4543 for Affordable, Life Saving Insulin!
The WV legislature is considering a bipartisan bill, HB 4543, that would cap copays for life-saving insulin at $25 for a 30-day supply. Currently, the cost of insurance co-payments for insulin can exceed $600 per month. The average price of insulin nearly tripled between 2002 and 2013, and has continued to rise. As many as 1 in 4 diabetics, including many with insurance, have started rationing their insulin because of the higher prices. Rationing insulin can result in strokes, comas or even death. More
Issues: Healthcare
Newsletter article Julie Archer February 25, 2020
Fair Courts Update
There are only two weeks left in the 2020 legislative session and Wednesday is “crossover” day, the last day for bills to be considered in the house of origin. Once this critical deadline passes many of the bills we’ve been watching will be dead. While it is disappointing that bills that advance the goals of the Pro-Democracy didn’t progress, it’s not unusual for the Legislature to forgo consideration of election bills in an election year. On the bright side, crossover day also puts a halt on a number of bad bills that would undermine the independence of the judiciary. More
Issues: Civil Justice, Clean elections
Fair Courts Update
There are only two weeks left in the 2020 legislative session and Wednesday is “crossover” day, the last day for bills to be considered in the house of origin. Once this critical deadline passes many of the bills we’ve been watching will be dead. While it is disappointing that bills that advance the goals of the Pro-Democracy didn’t progress, it’s not unusual for the Legislature to forgo consideration of election bills in an election year. On the bright side, crossover day also puts a halt on a number of bad bills that would undermine the independence of the judiciary. More
Issues: Civil Justice, Clean elections
Newsletter article Gary Zuckett February 25, 2020
Staring Down Crossover
The pace ramps up again as the legislature faces down the "drop dead" date of February 26th - Crossover Day - after which all bills not passed out of their house of origin are considered done for this year. That being said, bills can still be amended into other bills that have made the journey across and other parliamentary tricks can be engaged when leadership wants a bill to stay alive. Many terrible bills will expire on Wednesday along with several good ones we’ve been working, watching, and rooting for. More
Issues: Budget priorities, Discrimination, Healthcare, Inequality, Kids and families, Poverty
Staring Down Crossover
The pace ramps up again as the legislature faces down the "drop dead" date of February 26th - Crossover Day - after which all bills not passed out of their house of origin are considered done for this year. That being said, bills can still be amended into other bills that have made the journey across and other parliamentary tricks can be engaged when leadership wants a bill to stay alive. Many terrible bills will expire on Wednesday along with several good ones we’ve been working, watching, and rooting for. More
Issues: Budget priorities, Discrimination, Healthcare, Inequality, Kids and families, Poverty
Newsletter article February 12, 2020
West Virginians Deserve Clean, Safe Drinking Water
The Clean Drinking Water Act of 2020 was introduced recently in the House by Delegate Hansen as HB 4542, and it’s counterpart in the Senate was introduced by Senator Ihlenfeld as SB 679. The Act aims to identify and reduce exposure to class of chemical toxins known as polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS. These substances are “forever chemicals” and accumulate in the environment. A main source of exposure to PFAS is through contaminated drinking water. More
Issues: Water
West Virginians Deserve Clean, Safe Drinking Water
The Clean Drinking Water Act of 2020 was introduced recently in the House by Delegate Hansen as HB 4542, and it’s counterpart in the Senate was introduced by Senator Ihlenfeld as SB 679. The Act aims to identify and reduce exposure to class of chemical toxins known as polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS. These substances are “forever chemicals” and accumulate in the environment. A main source of exposure to PFAS is through contaminated drinking water. More
Issues: Water
Newsletter article February 12, 2020
Stand Up for Democracy
WV CAG and allies are opposing a bill before the legislature that would discourage peaceful protest and stop people from criticizing the powerful. HB 4615 would create new criminal and civil penalties for conduct around “critical infrastructure facilities” that could be applied to individuals and organizations involved in peaceful protest. Just like voting or contacting elected officials, peaceful protest is an important way for everyday people to influence how the government makes decisions about our air, water, and land; when we go to war; and other issues. The right to peacefully assemble is protected under the First Amendment and has been an important way to make change in the history of our country. More
Stand Up for Democracy
WV CAG and allies are opposing a bill before the legislature that would discourage peaceful protest and stop people from criticizing the powerful. HB 4615 would create new criminal and civil penalties for conduct around “critical infrastructure facilities” that could be applied to individuals and organizations involved in peaceful protest. Just like voting or contacting elected officials, peaceful protest is an important way for everyday people to influence how the government makes decisions about our air, water, and land; when we go to war; and other issues. The right to peacefully assemble is protected under the First Amendment and has been an important way to make change in the history of our country. More
Newsletter article Savanna Lyons February 11, 2020
Support HB 4543 for Affordable, Life Saving Insulin
Tell legislators its time to save West Virginians from price-gouging on insulin! The WV legislature is considering a bipartisan bill, HB 4543, that would cap copays for life-saving insulin at $25 for a 30-day supply. Currently, the cost of insurance co-payments for insulin can exceed $600 per month. The average price of insulin nearly tripled between 2002 and 2013, and has continued to rise. More
Issues: Healthcare
Support HB 4543 for Affordable, Life Saving Insulin
Tell legislators its time to save West Virginians from price-gouging on insulin! The WV legislature is considering a bipartisan bill, HB 4543, that would cap copays for life-saving insulin at $25 for a 30-day supply. Currently, the cost of insurance co-payments for insulin can exceed $600 per month. The average price of insulin nearly tripled between 2002 and 2013, and has continued to rise. More
Issues: Healthcare
Newsletter article Gary Zuckett February 11, 2020
Hump Week – Halfway Over, Session Speeding Up
Committees are meeting earlier and lasting longer, and floor sessions are going on for hours as the work of the 2020 legislative session barrels toward several deadlines this month. There are now 1,340 bills introduced in the House, and 740 in the Senate. More
Issues: Civil Justice, Discrimination, Energy, Event, Kids and families, Water
Hump Week – Halfway Over, Session Speeding Up
Committees are meeting earlier and lasting longer, and floor sessions are going on for hours as the work of the 2020 legislative session barrels toward several deadlines this month. There are now 1,340 bills introduced in the House, and 740 in the Senate. More
Issues: Civil Justice, Discrimination, Energy, Event, Kids and families, Water
Newsletter article Savanna Lyons February 4, 2020
CALL TO ACTION: STAND UP TO BIG PHARMA, SUPPORT AFFORDABLE INSULIN
Every death caused by too-high insulin costs is a death too many. It’s time to choose PEOPLE over drug company PROFIT. For months we've been supporting the WV Team for Insulin Affordability on HB 4543, a great bipartisan bill that would cap insulin co-pays at $25. It would save hundreds or thousands of dollars per year for Type I Diabetics who depend on life-saving insulin. But on Monday, when the bill went to House Banking and Insurance, the pharmaceutical lobby came out in force. More
Issues: Healthcare
CALL TO ACTION: STAND UP TO BIG PHARMA, SUPPORT AFFORDABLE INSULIN
Every death caused by too-high insulin costs is a death too many. It’s time to choose PEOPLE over drug company PROFIT. For months we've been supporting the WV Team for Insulin Affordability on HB 4543, a great bipartisan bill that would cap insulin co-pays at $25. It would save hundreds or thousands of dollars per year for Type I Diabetics who depend on life-saving insulin. But on Monday, when the bill went to House Banking and Insurance, the pharmaceutical lobby came out in force. More
Issues: Healthcare
Newsletter article Gary Zuckett February 4, 2020
Everything but the Kitchen Sink: Gary’s Weekly Round-Up
Twenty four environmental and justice groups from around the state set up displays in the Senate Hall for annual Environment Day at the legislature on Tuesday. They came from near and far. See them in a quick walk through at the beginning of our Facebook live stream of the opening and speakers. After that a large group of citizens went to House Health Committee Chair Hill to ask him to put the Clean Drinking Water Act on his committee’s agenda. More
Issues: Budget priorities, Energy, Event, Healthcare, Inequality, Kids and families, Pollution, Water
Everything but the Kitchen Sink: Gary’s Weekly Round-Up
Twenty four environmental and justice groups from around the state set up displays in the Senate Hall for annual Environment Day at the legislature on Tuesday. They came from near and far. See them in a quick walk through at the beginning of our Facebook live stream of the opening and speakers. After that a large group of citizens went to House Health Committee Chair Hill to ask him to put the Clean Drinking Water Act on his committee’s agenda. More
Issues: Budget priorities, Energy, Event, Healthcare, Inequality, Kids and families, Pollution, Water
Newsletter article Julie Archer January 28, 2020
Criminal Justice Reform Has Positive Momentum
Criminal justice reform is one of the few issues that enjoys bipartisan support among legislators. As the 2020 session got underway, key legislative leaders indicated parole and other reforms would be a priority as a way to reduce prison overcrowding, save the state money, and help with the state’s workforce participation rate, in addition to giving those who have been incarcerated a second chance. More
Issues: Civil Justice, Discrimination, Inequality
Criminal Justice Reform Has Positive Momentum
Criminal justice reform is one of the few issues that enjoys bipartisan support among legislators. As the 2020 session got underway, key legislative leaders indicated parole and other reforms would be a priority as a way to reduce prison overcrowding, save the state money, and help with the state’s workforce participation rate, in addition to giving those who have been incarcerated a second chance. More
Issues: Civil Justice, Discrimination, Inequality
Newsletter article Julie Archer January 28, 2020
Our Voice, Our Votes, Our Courts: What We Could Gain & What’s at Stake
Several bills that advance the goals of the Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform have been introduced and the list keeps growing. In addition to bills that are part of the platform we are also monitoring other legislative proposals related to our courts. Here’s a glimpse at some of these bills, what we have to gain if some reforms are passed, and what’s at stake if others advance. More
Issues: Civil Justice, Clean elections
Our Voice, Our Votes, Our Courts: What We Could Gain & What’s at Stake
Several bills that advance the goals of the Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform have been introduced and the list keeps growing. In addition to bills that are part of the platform we are also monitoring other legislative proposals related to our courts. Here’s a glimpse at some of these bills, what we have to gain if some reforms are passed, and what’s at stake if others advance. More
Issues: Civil Justice, Clean elections
Newsletter article Gary Zuckett January 28, 2020
MLK Day Leads Week Three
MLK Day was celebrated in Charleston with the traditional ecumenical service at Asbury UMC and the noon bell ringing at the capitol. Reverend King’s courage and vision is a constant call for racial, civil, economic and social justice! More
Issues: Budget priorities, Civil Justice, Discrimination, Energy, Fair taxation, Inequality, Water
MLK Day Leads Week Three
MLK Day was celebrated in Charleston with the traditional ecumenical service at Asbury UMC and the noon bell ringing at the capitol. Reverend King’s courage and vision is a constant call for racial, civil, economic and social justice! More
Issues: Budget priorities, Civil Justice, Discrimination, Energy, Fair taxation, Inequality, Water
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
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