Category: Newsletter article
53 posts found, showing 20 per page
Previous Next
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
Newsletter article Savanna Lyons January 21, 2019
How You Can Help End the Government Shutdown
On Tuesday, about 50 people rallied at Senator Capito's Charleston office, asking her to "stop playing politics with our lives," end the government shutdown, and forget the border wall. Rally speakers emphasized how the shutdown does the most harm to the people who need the most support – seniors, struggling families, and kids. More here on how you can help end the shutdown. More
Issues: Budget priorities, Inequality, Kids and families, Poverty, SNAP, Workers
How You Can Help End the Government Shutdown
On Tuesday, about 50 people rallied at Senator Capito's Charleston office, asking her to "stop playing politics with our lives," end the government shutdown, and forget the border wall. Rally speakers emphasized how the shutdown does the most harm to the people who need the most support – seniors, struggling families, and kids. More here on how you can help end the shutdown. More
Issues: Budget priorities, Inequality, Kids and families, Poverty, SNAP, Workers
Newsletter article Gary Zuckett January 21, 2019
Week Two – Full to Overflowing!
Week two at the legislature was a busy one. Meetings with potential bill sponsors, checking daily bills introduced (now totaling 876), monitoring committees as they take up and amend legislation. This is just the daily grind. Then there are the special events and actions we’re co-sponsoring and/or showing up for. More about the some of these activities, and a short list of the good, bad, and just plain ugly bills that we’re either promoting or trying to stop here. More
Issues: Budget priorities, Clean elections, Fair taxation, SNAP, Water
Week Two – Full to Overflowing!
Week two at the legislature was a busy one. Meetings with potential bill sponsors, checking daily bills introduced (now totaling 876), monitoring committees as they take up and amend legislation. This is just the daily grind. Then there are the special events and actions we’re co-sponsoring and/or showing up for. More about the some of these activities, and a short list of the good, bad, and just plain ugly bills that we’re either promoting or trying to stop here. More
Issues: Budget priorities, Clean elections, Fair taxation, SNAP, Water
Newsletter article Julie Archer January 20, 2019
The Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform: Stand Up, Stamp Up for Your Rights
We had a great time last week promoting the Pro-Democracy Anti-Corruption Platform at Kids and Families Day hosted by the Our Children, Our Future (OCOF) campaign. We also encouraged folks to help spread the word about the need to fight the influence of money in politics, and demonstrate support for the solution by stamping their money with messages like “Stamp Money Out of Politics, “Not to Be Used to Buy Elections,” and “Stop the Attack on Voting Rights.” Several bills have been introduced that advance the goals of the platform have been introduced. Learn more here. More
Issues: Clean elections, Kids and families, Our children our future
The Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform: Stand Up, Stamp Up for Your Rights
We had a great time last week promoting the Pro-Democracy Anti-Corruption Platform at Kids and Families Day hosted by the Our Children, Our Future (OCOF) campaign. We also encouraged folks to help spread the word about the need to fight the influence of money in politics, and demonstrate support for the solution by stamping their money with messages like “Stamp Money Out of Politics, “Not to Be Used to Buy Elections,” and “Stop the Attack on Voting Rights.” Several bills have been introduced that advance the goals of the platform have been introduced. Learn more here. More
Issues: Clean elections, Kids and families, Our children our future
Newsletter article Gary Zuckett January 13, 2019
2019 Legislative Session Kicks Off
The 2019 session of the WV Legislature kicked off on Wednesday, January 9. Here's a glimpse at some of the upcoming fights and things to watch for, and a list of resources to help you be an informed activist throughout the session. More
Issues: Budget priorities, Civil Justice, Fair taxation, Healthcare, Pollution, Water
2019 Legislative Session Kicks Off
The 2019 session of the WV Legislature kicked off on Wednesday, January 9. Here's a glimpse at some of the upcoming fights and things to watch for, and a list of resources to help you be an informed activist throughout the session. More
Issues: Budget priorities, Civil Justice, Fair taxation, Healthcare, Pollution, Water
Newsletter article Julie Archer March 16, 2018
Redistricting Reform Stalls; Election Transparency Fails to Advance
Unfortunately, the two election related bills we most wanted to see pass this session failed to reach the Governor’s desk. A bill to reform the redistricting process – the redrawing of the boundaries of legislative and congressional districts – made significant progress before stalling in the House of Delegates. While a bill to improve election transparency and strengthen disclosure of political spending was never taken up by its assigned committee. Here's is a summary of what happened with these, other election, and ethics bills during the 2018 legislative session. More
Issues: Clean elections, Our children our future
Redistricting Reform Stalls; Election Transparency Fails to Advance
Unfortunately, the two election related bills we most wanted to see pass this session failed to reach the Governor’s desk. A bill to reform the redistricting process – the redrawing of the boundaries of legislative and congressional districts – made significant progress before stalling in the House of Delegates. While a bill to improve election transparency and strengthen disclosure of political spending was never taken up by its assigned committee. Here's is a summary of what happened with these, other election, and ethics bills during the 2018 legislative session. More
Issues: Clean elections, Our children our future
Newsletter article March 16, 2018
Water Policy Update
Several bad bills that would have been harmful to water quality and the environment, died this legislative session thanks to the efforts of our friends at the WV Rivers Coalition (WVRC) and the WV Environmental Council (WVEC). Two bills passed that our allies were able to secure improvements to. Read more here, then check out the legislative wrap-ups from WVRC and WVEC. More
Issues: Pollution, Water
Water Policy Update
Several bad bills that would have been harmful to water quality and the environment, died this legislative session thanks to the efforts of our friends at the WV Rivers Coalition (WVRC) and the WV Environmental Council (WVEC). Two bills passed that our allies were able to secure improvements to. Read more here, then check out the legislative wrap-ups from WVRC and WVEC. More
Issues: Pollution, Water
Newsletter article Julie Archer March 16, 2018
Two Constitutional Amendments Headed for the Ballot in November
During the 2018 legislative session, legislators approved resolutions putting two proposed constitutional amendments on the November 6 general election ballot. On the final night of the session, the House and Senate agreed to a compromise version of SJR 3, the Judicial Budget Oversight Amendment, which would amend the state constitution to give the Legislature oversight of the judiciary’s budget. In addition to SJR 3, the Legislature also approved another proposed constitutional amendment (SJR 12) that is being deceptively explained as an effort to take away Medicaid funding for abortion, but which aims to take away reproductive rights for women more broadly. More
Issues: Budget priorities, Civil Justice, Healthcare, Inequality
Two Constitutional Amendments Headed for the Ballot in November
During the 2018 legislative session, legislators approved resolutions putting two proposed constitutional amendments on the November 6 general election ballot. On the final night of the session, the House and Senate agreed to a compromise version of SJR 3, the Judicial Budget Oversight Amendment, which would amend the state constitution to give the Legislature oversight of the judiciary’s budget. In addition to SJR 3, the Legislature also approved another proposed constitutional amendment (SJR 12) that is being deceptively explained as an effort to take away Medicaid funding for abortion, but which aims to take away reproductive rights for women more broadly. More
Issues: Budget priorities, Civil Justice, Healthcare, Inequality
Newsletter article Gary Zuckett March 16, 2018
2018 Legislative Wrap-Up
The 2018 legislative session is FINALLY over, and this is our wrap-up edition. In this article: A Strike and Two Vetoes?, 5% Raise and PEIA Task Force Reopen Schools, Collateral Damage, Timber Bill Cut Down, SB 600 = Tons of BS, Regulation Two-Fer, Guns-R-Us, Cannabis Sabotage, and Another Shade of Green. More
Issues: Energy, Healthcare, Kids and families, Pollution, Workers
2018 Legislative Wrap-Up
The 2018 legislative session is FINALLY over, and this is our wrap-up edition. In this article: A Strike and Two Vetoes?, 5% Raise and PEIA Task Force Reopen Schools, Collateral Damage, Timber Bill Cut Down, SB 600 = Tons of BS, Regulation Two-Fer, Guns-R-Us, Cannabis Sabotage, and Another Shade of Green. More
Issues: Energy, Healthcare, Kids and families, Pollution, Workers
Previous Next