Category: Newsletter article
325 posts found, showing 20 per page
Newsletter article CAG February 26, 2018
Where Are They Now?
Here's a quick update on on several bills we wrote about last week, including redistricting reform, co-tenancy, and LEEP. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy, Energy, Environment
Where Are They Now?
Here's a quick update on on several bills we wrote about last week, including redistricting reform, co-tenancy, and LEEP. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy, Energy, Environment
Newsletter article Gary Zuckett February 26, 2018
Strike Week at the Legislature
In this article: Hunger Games Continue; Teachers Strike On; Governor Justice MIA; Corporate Welfare Lives; Religious Nanny State; Medical Cannabis Update; Crossover Day; Greens Keep Us Going More
Issues: Budget Priorities, Kids and families, Our children our future, Poverty, SNAP, Workers
Strike Week at the Legislature
In this article: Hunger Games Continue; Teachers Strike On; Governor Justice MIA; Corporate Welfare Lives; Religious Nanny State; Medical Cannabis Update; Crossover Day; Greens Keep Us Going More
Issues: Budget Priorities, Kids and families, Our children our future, Poverty, SNAP, Workers
Newsletter article February 18, 2018
Grow Energy Efficiency Jobs: Tell House Energy Committee to Pass the LEEP Act!
HB 2534, the Local Energy Efficiency Partnership (LEEP) Act is in the House Energy Committee and must be passed by both the House Energy and Finance Committees before it can be voted on by the full House. Time is short to get the bill passed and over to the Senate. Energy efficiency is good for our economy by creating jobs, improving our buildings, and making it easier for our businesses and families to stay in West Virginia. Energy efficiency jobs pay for themselves through utility savings. Please contact members of the House Energy Committee and Chair Bill Anderson (R-Wood) now and urge them to support HB 2534. More
Issues: Energy, Energy efficiency
Grow Energy Efficiency Jobs: Tell House Energy Committee to Pass the LEEP Act!
HB 2534, the Local Energy Efficiency Partnership (LEEP) Act is in the House Energy Committee and must be passed by both the House Energy and Finance Committees before it can be voted on by the full House. Time is short to get the bill passed and over to the Senate. Energy efficiency is good for our economy by creating jobs, improving our buildings, and making it easier for our businesses and families to stay in West Virginia. Energy efficiency jobs pay for themselves through utility savings. Please contact members of the House Energy Committee and Chair Bill Anderson (R-Wood) now and urge them to support HB 2534. More
Issues: Energy, Energy efficiency
Newsletter article CAG February 18, 2018
Senate Passes Intermediate Court Bill, Judicial Budget Amendment
On Thursday, the Senate passed two measures that could dramatically reshape the judicial system in West Virginia. The first is a proposal (SB 341) that would establish an intermediate court of appeals between the level of circuit court and the state Supreme Court to hear civil appeals, appeals of workers’ compensation claims, abuse and neglect cases and some other administrative appeals. The other measure passed by the Senate (SJR 3) is a proposed Judicial Budget Amendment, which would amend the state constitution to give the Legislature oversight of the judiciary's budget. This is in response to a recent spending scandal involving extravagant renovations to the private chambers of the Supreme Court justices. More details here. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy
Senate Passes Intermediate Court Bill, Judicial Budget Amendment
On Thursday, the Senate passed two measures that could dramatically reshape the judicial system in West Virginia. The first is a proposal (SB 341) that would establish an intermediate court of appeals between the level of circuit court and the state Supreme Court to hear civil appeals, appeals of workers’ compensation claims, abuse and neglect cases and some other administrative appeals. The other measure passed by the Senate (SJR 3) is a proposed Judicial Budget Amendment, which would amend the state constitution to give the Legislature oversight of the judiciary's budget. This is in response to a recent spending scandal involving extravagant renovations to the private chambers of the Supreme Court justices. More details here. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy
Newsletter article Julie Archer February 18, 2018
“Co-Tenancy” Bill Passes House of Delegates
On Thursday, the House of Delegates passes a the “co-tenancy” bill (HB 4268), with 60 votes for, and 40 votes against. As the bill came to the floor from the House Judiciary Committee it contained important protections for surface owners, requiring their consent for any surface disturbance whenever the co-tenancy law is used to develop the mineral tract beneath a surface owners’ land or into any neighboring mineral tract, regardless of whether the surface owner owns an interest in the mineral tract being developed. This is significant. The bill also contained protections for the non-consenting, and missing and unknown mineral owners that were not included in the introduced bill. On the floor, two other amendments were adopted that provide additional protections for these mineral owners. HB 4268 is now in the Senate where it has been assigned to the Energy, Industry, and Mining Committee, and the Judiciary Committee. More
Issues: Energy, Fracking
“Co-Tenancy” Bill Passes House of Delegates
On Thursday, the House of Delegates passes a the “co-tenancy” bill (HB 4268), with 60 votes for, and 40 votes against. As the bill came to the floor from the House Judiciary Committee it contained important protections for surface owners, requiring their consent for any surface disturbance whenever the co-tenancy law is used to develop the mineral tract beneath a surface owners’ land or into any neighboring mineral tract, regardless of whether the surface owner owns an interest in the mineral tract being developed. This is significant. The bill also contained protections for the non-consenting, and missing and unknown mineral owners that were not included in the introduced bill. On the floor, two other amendments were adopted that provide additional protections for these mineral owners. HB 4268 is now in the Senate where it has been assigned to the Energy, Industry, and Mining Committee, and the Judiciary Committee. More
Issues: Energy, Fracking
Newsletter article CAG February 18, 2018
Redistricting Bill Sent to House Floor Without Independent Commission
Establishing a specific list of factors that can (and cannot) consider in the redistricting process, including factors designed to promote partisan fairness and prevent favoritism toward incumbents, is an improvement, these goals would be more easily accomplished if we appointed someone other than legislators to draw legislative district maps. We need to let our delegates know that we want a process that is impartial, transparent, and accountable. This means having an independent redistricting commission lead redistricting efforts, providing ample opportunities for public participation throughout the process, and clear standards to guide the process that ensure equality and fairness. Contact your delegate(s) today and tell them to support fair districts and fair elections. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy
Redistricting Bill Sent to House Floor Without Independent Commission
Establishing a specific list of factors that can (and cannot) consider in the redistricting process, including factors designed to promote partisan fairness and prevent favoritism toward incumbents, is an improvement, these goals would be more easily accomplished if we appointed someone other than legislators to draw legislative district maps. We need to let our delegates know that we want a process that is impartial, transparent, and accountable. This means having an independent redistricting commission lead redistricting efforts, providing ample opportunities for public participation throughout the process, and clear standards to guide the process that ensure equality and fairness. Contact your delegate(s) today and tell them to support fair districts and fair elections. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy
Newsletter article CAG February 18, 2018
SNAP Work Requirements Headed for a Vote in the House
HB 4001, which would further restrict access to food assistance (SNAP) and other vital safety net programs by imposing work requirements on recipients of public assistance, and require the West Virginia DHHR to implement a costly new comprehensive verification system is headed for a vote in the House of Delegates. After a public hearing on Monday, the House Judiciary Committee took up and passed a version of the bill that made significant changes to the proposal, however the proposed changes to SNAP will still hurt our people and our economy. Contact your delegate(s) and tell them to vote NO on HB 4001. More
Issues: Budget Priorities, Democracy, Economy, Families
SNAP Work Requirements Headed for a Vote in the House
HB 4001, which would further restrict access to food assistance (SNAP) and other vital safety net programs by imposing work requirements on recipients of public assistance, and require the West Virginia DHHR to implement a costly new comprehensive verification system is headed for a vote in the House of Delegates. After a public hearing on Monday, the House Judiciary Committee took up and passed a version of the bill that made significant changes to the proposal, however the proposed changes to SNAP will still hurt our people and our economy. Contact your delegate(s) and tell them to vote NO on HB 4001. More
Issues: Budget Priorities, Democracy, Economy, Families
Newsletter article CAG February 18, 2018
“Fed Up Friday” Wraps Up Week 6
In this article: Fed Up Teachers; Free-Dumb Bill of the Week: Concealed Carry on Campus; Medical Cannabis Board to Make Recommendations; SOSParks; Coal Celebrates Gazette Bankruptcy; Keep Those Checks Coming More
Issues: Budget Priorities, Civil Rights, Economy, Environment, Families, Workers
“Fed Up Friday” Wraps Up Week 6
In this article: Fed Up Teachers; Free-Dumb Bill of the Week: Concealed Carry on Campus; Medical Cannabis Board to Make Recommendations; SOSParks; Coal Celebrates Gazette Bankruptcy; Keep Those Checks Coming More
Issues: Budget Priorities, Civil Rights, Economy, Environment, Families, Workers
Newsletter article CAG February 13, 2018
Week 5: Halfway
We are now halfway through the 2018 legislative session. Soon cut-off days will be reached when bills can no longer be introduced (thankfully) and then ‘crossover day’ when bills have to be voted out of their house of origin or die. As these kick-in, its full speed ahead into the maelstrom of late evening committee meetings, early morning public hearings, and longer and longer floor sessions. One thing that helps us get through this is YOU! In this article: We Won't Blink; Abortion Amendment Passes Senate; Teachers' Pay; Paycheck Deception; Correctional Officers' Pay Bump?; All Things Environmental More
Issues: Budget Priorities, Civil Rights, Economy, Energy, Families, Healthcare, Workers
Week 5: Halfway
We are now halfway through the 2018 legislative session. Soon cut-off days will be reached when bills can no longer be introduced (thankfully) and then ‘crossover day’ when bills have to be voted out of their house of origin or die. As these kick-in, its full speed ahead into the maelstrom of late evening committee meetings, early morning public hearings, and longer and longer floor sessions. One thing that helps us get through this is YOU! In this article: We Won't Blink; Abortion Amendment Passes Senate; Teachers' Pay; Paycheck Deception; Correctional Officers' Pay Bump?; All Things Environmental More
Issues: Budget Priorities, Civil Rights, Economy, Energy, Families, Healthcare, Workers
Newsletter article February 13, 2018
FirstEnergy Ends Bid to Sell Pleasants Plant
In a notice filed Monday, Feb. 5, with the Public Service Commission of West Virginia, FirstEnergy Corp. stated that it will stop fighting to transfer ownership of the Pleasants Power Plant to Monongahela Power and Potomac Edison, FirstEnergy’s West Virginia utilities. This is a major win for the 530,000 Mon Power and Potomac Edison consumers in West Virginia. This deal was bad from the beginning and the extensive evidence presented at the PSC proceeding made clear that the proposed transfer would benefit FirstEnergy and hurt West Virginians struggling to survive in today’s economy. More
Issues: Energy, Energy efficiency
FirstEnergy Ends Bid to Sell Pleasants Plant
In a notice filed Monday, Feb. 5, with the Public Service Commission of West Virginia, FirstEnergy Corp. stated that it will stop fighting to transfer ownership of the Pleasants Power Plant to Monongahela Power and Potomac Edison, FirstEnergy’s West Virginia utilities. This is a major win for the 530,000 Mon Power and Potomac Edison consumers in West Virginia. This deal was bad from the beginning and the extensive evidence presented at the PSC proceeding made clear that the proposed transfer would benefit FirstEnergy and hurt West Virginians struggling to survive in today’s economy. More
Issues: Energy, Energy efficiency
Newsletter article CAG February 13, 2018
House Judiciary Sub-Committee Nixes Redistricting Commission in Favor of Status Quo
We've written a couple of times about a bill (HB 2383) under consideration by a House Judiciary Sub-Committee the would establish an independent redistricting commission to redraw the boundaries of West Virginia's legislative and congressional districts after the 2020 Census. When the subcommittee met for the final time with the goal of approving a final bill an amendment to take out the commission and continue to leave the process of drawing legislative and congressional district maps up to the legislature was adopted, undermining the original intent of the bill, and maintaining the status quo. Voters should be choosing their elected officials, not the other way around. Let your delegate(s) know you are disappointed with this development. Urge them to honor the original intent of the bill and appoint someone other than legislators to draw legislative district maps. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy
House Judiciary Sub-Committee Nixes Redistricting Commission in Favor of Status Quo
We've written a couple of times about a bill (HB 2383) under consideration by a House Judiciary Sub-Committee the would establish an independent redistricting commission to redraw the boundaries of West Virginia's legislative and congressional districts after the 2020 Census. When the subcommittee met for the final time with the goal of approving a final bill an amendment to take out the commission and continue to leave the process of drawing legislative and congressional district maps up to the legislature was adopted, undermining the original intent of the bill, and maintaining the status quo. Voters should be choosing their elected officials, not the other way around. Let your delegate(s) know you are disappointed with this development. Urge them to honor the original intent of the bill and appoint someone other than legislators to draw legislative district maps. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy
Newsletter article Julie Archer February 12, 2018
Improved “Co-Tenancy” Bill Clears House Judiciary Committee
After Friday's public hearing on the "co-tenancy" bill (HB 4268), the House Judiciary Committee took up and passed an improved version of the bill that, most importantly, addresses the problems we raised regarding surface use and the need to require surface owner's consent. If version of HB 4268 that came out of the House Judiciary Committee passes, if the driller uses the statute to get the right to drill into the mineral tract beneath a surface owners' land or into any neighboring mineral tract, the driller will have to get the agreement of the surface owner to locate the well pad on their surface, regardless of whether the surface owner owns an interest in the minerals. Requiring the surface owners consent is very important, and a significant improvement that makes it worth supporting the bill. Why? Read more here. More
Issues: Energy, Fracking
Improved “Co-Tenancy” Bill Clears House Judiciary Committee
After Friday's public hearing on the "co-tenancy" bill (HB 4268), the House Judiciary Committee took up and passed an improved version of the bill that, most importantly, addresses the problems we raised regarding surface use and the need to require surface owner's consent. If version of HB 4268 that came out of the House Judiciary Committee passes, if the driller uses the statute to get the right to drill into the mineral tract beneath a surface owners' land or into any neighboring mineral tract, the driller will have to get the agreement of the surface owner to locate the well pad on their surface, regardless of whether the surface owner owns an interest in the minerals. Requiring the surface owners consent is very important, and a significant improvement that makes it worth supporting the bill. Why? Read more here. More
Issues: Energy, Fracking
Newsletter article CAG February 4, 2018
Wild Week Four
In this article: Trump Visits GOP at Greenbrier - We Visited Too; War on Unions Continues; Teachers Rally at Capitol; Free Community College Passes Senate; Intermediate Court of Appeals, Judicial Budget Amendment Clear First Hurdles; Department of Education and the Arts on Chopping Block; DHHR Reorganization Update; What's SNAPpening?; Making it Legal to Noodle Catfish?; Minister Protection Bill is all Fluff; Charleston Gazette-Mail Files for Bankruptcy; Water Crisis Settlement Nears Final Approval; FirstEnergy's Attempt at WV Bailout Continues; and Join In! More
Issues: Civil Rights, Economy, Energy, Environment, Families, Healthcare, Workers
Wild Week Four
In this article: Trump Visits GOP at Greenbrier - We Visited Too; War on Unions Continues; Teachers Rally at Capitol; Free Community College Passes Senate; Intermediate Court of Appeals, Judicial Budget Amendment Clear First Hurdles; Department of Education and the Arts on Chopping Block; DHHR Reorganization Update; What's SNAPpening?; Making it Legal to Noodle Catfish?; Minister Protection Bill is all Fluff; Charleston Gazette-Mail Files for Bankruptcy; Water Crisis Settlement Nears Final Approval; FirstEnergy's Attempt at WV Bailout Continues; and Join In! More
Issues: Civil Rights, Economy, Energy, Environment, Families, Healthcare, Workers
Newsletter article Julie Archer February 4, 2018
“Co-Tenancy” Bill Advances Without Changes, Public Hearing Possible Wednesday
Last week the House Energy Committee passed the "co-tenancy" bill (HB 4268) without any changes. HB 4268 is problematic in a number of ways which we've outlined in detail here, and we remain opposed to the bill unless these issues are addressed. The bill is now before the House Judiciary Committee. A public hearing has been requested and will possibly be held this Wednesday, February 7 although there has been no official announcement yet. In the meantime, please contact House Judiciary Committee members and voice your concerns about HB 4268. More
Issues: Energy, Fracking, Pollution
“Co-Tenancy” Bill Advances Without Changes, Public Hearing Possible Wednesday
Last week the House Energy Committee passed the "co-tenancy" bill (HB 4268) without any changes. HB 4268 is problematic in a number of ways which we've outlined in detail here, and we remain opposed to the bill unless these issues are addressed. The bill is now before the House Judiciary Committee. A public hearing has been requested and will possibly be held this Wednesday, February 7 although there has been no official announcement yet. In the meantime, please contact House Judiciary Committee members and voice your concerns about HB 4268. More
Issues: Energy, Fracking, Pollution
Newsletter article Gary Zuckett January 28, 2018
Week Three – Gaining Momentum
Legislative sessions are like a snowball rolled down a steep, snowy slope. They gain speed, momentum and size as they roll… this one is no different. This means a lot has happened over the past week and there are a number of actions you can take. This coming week we hope you can join us for one or more events on legislative and congressional priorities and the need to focus on the common good. More
Issues: Budget Priorities, Healthcare, Poverty, SNAP
Week Three – Gaining Momentum
Legislative sessions are like a snowball rolled down a steep, snowy slope. They gain speed, momentum and size as they roll… this one is no different. This means a lot has happened over the past week and there are a number of actions you can take. This coming week we hope you can join us for one or more events on legislative and congressional priorities and the need to focus on the common good. More
Issues: Budget Priorities, Healthcare, Poverty, SNAP
Newsletter article CAG January 28, 2018
Our Children, Our Future 2018 Legislative Platform Includes WV Anti-Corruption / Voter Empowerment Act
As part of this year's Our Children, Our Future public policy platform, WV CAG is excited to be partnering with Fayette Fair Share to support the WV Anti-Corruption Act. The Act is about empowering voters and having a democracy where everyone participates, every vote is counted, and everyone’s voice is heard. To do this we need to close loopholes in our election and ethics laws, and change political rules that unfairly favor the wealthy and special interests. Two bills introduced this session help accomplish the goals of the Act. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy, Families
Our Children, Our Future 2018 Legislative Platform Includes WV Anti-Corruption / Voter Empowerment Act
As part of this year's Our Children, Our Future public policy platform, WV CAG is excited to be partnering with Fayette Fair Share to support the WV Anti-Corruption Act. The Act is about empowering voters and having a democracy where everyone participates, every vote is counted, and everyone’s voice is heard. To do this we need to close loopholes in our election and ethics laws, and change political rules that unfairly favor the wealthy and special interests. Two bills introduced this session help accomplish the goals of the Act. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy, Families
Newsletter article CAG January 22, 2018
Two Weeks Down, Seven to Go
Friday was the 10th day of the 2018 legislative session with Senate now listing 333 bills introduced, and the House (with nearly three times the members) having 739. It's a small comfort that the majority of these will never make it out the ‘sausage grinder’ that is the legislative process. Here's a look at some of the bad (and good) bills that are starting to work their way through the process, as well as some other highlights from the second week of the session. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy, Economy, Families, Healthcare
Two Weeks Down, Seven to Go
Friday was the 10th day of the 2018 legislative session with Senate now listing 333 bills introduced, and the House (with nearly three times the members) having 739. It's a small comfort that the majority of these will never make it out the ‘sausage grinder’ that is the legislative process. Here's a look at some of the bad (and good) bills that are starting to work their way through the process, as well as some other highlights from the second week of the session. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy, Economy, Families, Healthcare
Newsletter article January 15, 2018
State of the State
On Wednesday evening, Governor Justice laid out his vision for the 2018 legislative session and beyond in his second State of the State address. Last week also marked the anniversary of the 2014 water crisis. Read an overview of the address and happenings during the first week of the session here and get a preview of what to expect during the days ahead. More
Issues: Budget Priorities, Energy, Energy efficiency, Healthcare, SNAP, Water
State of the State
On Wednesday evening, Governor Justice laid out his vision for the 2018 legislative session and beyond in his second State of the State address. Last week also marked the anniversary of the 2014 water crisis. Read an overview of the address and happenings during the first week of the session here and get a preview of what to expect during the days ahead. More
Issues: Budget Priorities, Energy, Energy efficiency, Healthcare, SNAP, Water
Newsletter article January 15, 2018
The Hillbilly Poet: Crying Like a Baby & Other Poems
"A liar tells stories to deceive people. A story teller tells lies to make people laugh." - the Hillbilly Poet More
Issues: Energy, Healthcare, Inequality, Water
The Hillbilly Poet: Crying Like a Baby & Other Poems
"A liar tells stories to deceive people. A story teller tells lies to make people laugh." - the Hillbilly Poet More
Issues: Energy, Healthcare, Inequality, Water
Newsletter article CAG November 26, 2017
Grassroots Summit Helps Grow People-Powered Movement
This September, over 150 people from across the state, came together for the WV Grassroots Summit, a two-day planning and grassroots organizing summit in Buckhannon, WV. During this two day summit, folks had the opportunity to join in on trainings, workshops, projects, networking opportunities, roundtable discussions, and more. We look forward to co-hosting future events to build on this people-powered momentum! More
Issues: Civil Rights, Families
Grassroots Summit Helps Grow People-Powered Movement
This September, over 150 people from across the state, came together for the WV Grassroots Summit, a two-day planning and grassroots organizing summit in Buckhannon, WV. During this two day summit, folks had the opportunity to join in on trainings, workshops, projects, networking opportunities, roundtable discussions, and more. We look forward to co-hosting future events to build on this people-powered momentum! More
Issues: Civil Rights, Families