Tag: Civil Justice
71 posts found, showing 20 per page
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 March 4, 2018
Capital Eye Vol. 11 No. 8
This week, teachers filled the galleries, halls and rotunda of the Capitol, and parents and teachers rallied in support, as the Governor came out of hiding and tried to negotiate an end to the teachers’ strike that has garnered national attention. As we head into the home stretch, the strike continues as a result of the Senate's rejection of the 5% pay raise agreed to by the Governor and approved by the House. The 2018 legislative session ends at midnight, Saturday, March 10. We can’t wait for the carnage to be over! In the meantime, keep reading for further updates and actions you can take now, and keep an eye out for other critical updates this week. More
Issues: Budget priorities, Civil Justice, Clean elections, Energy, Healthcare, Poverty, Workers
Capital Eye Vol. 11 No. 8
This week, teachers filled the galleries, halls and rotunda of the Capitol, and parents and teachers rallied in support, as the Governor came out of hiding and tried to negotiate an end to the teachers’ strike that has garnered national attention. As we head into the home stretch, the strike continues as a result of the Senate's rejection of the 5% pay raise agreed to by the Governor and approved by the House. The 2018 legislative session ends at midnight, Saturday, March 10. We can’t wait for the carnage to be over! In the meantime, keep reading for further updates and actions you can take now, and keep an eye out for other critical updates this week. More
Issues: Budget priorities, Civil Justice, Clean elections, Energy, Healthcare, Poverty, Workers
Newsletter article Julie Archer March 4, 2018
Judicial Budget Oversight Amendment Advances; Fate of Intermediate Court Bill Uncertain
After clearing the House Finance Committee earlier in the week, (SJR 3), which would amend the state constitution to give the Legislature oversight of the judiciary’s budget was taken up and passed by the House Judiciary Committee. However, instead of accepting the proposed amendment passed by the Senate, the Committee included a procedural safeguard of requiring a super-majority (two-thirds) vote of the Legislature to reduce the judiciary’s budget by more than ten percent from the previous fiscal year. Meanwhile, the fate of the intermediate court bill is uncertain. Tell your legislators not to waste millions on an intermediate court we don’t need, and vote NO on SB 341. More
Issues: Budget priorities, Civil Justice
Judicial Budget Oversight Amendment Advances; Fate of Intermediate Court Bill Uncertain
After clearing the House Finance Committee earlier in the week, (SJR 3), which would amend the state constitution to give the Legislature oversight of the judiciary’s budget was taken up and passed by the House Judiciary Committee. However, instead of accepting the proposed amendment passed by the Senate, the Committee included a procedural safeguard of requiring a super-majority (two-thirds) vote of the Legislature to reduce the judiciary’s budget by more than ten percent from the previous fiscal year. Meanwhile, the fate of the intermediate court bill is uncertain. Tell your legislators not to waste millions on an intermediate court we don’t need, and vote NO on SB 341. More
Issues: Budget priorities, Civil Justice
Newsletter article Julie Archer 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 Justice, Clean elections, Energy, Energy efficiency, Fracking
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 Justice, Clean elections, Energy, Energy efficiency, Fracking
Newsletter February 18, 2018
Capital Eye Vol. 11 No. 6
Week six of the 2018 legislative session kicked off with a public hearing on a bill to restrict access to food assistance (SNAP) and other vital safety net programs, and wrapped up with thousands of teachers filling the halls of the Capitol to demand better pay and a fix for PEIA. Read more about the status of these and other proposals including campus carry, co-tenancy, and bills to reshape our judicial system; and actions you can take to support redistricting reform and energy efficiency, and oppose logging in our state parks. More
Issues: Budget priorities, Civil Justice, Education, Energy, Energy efficiency, Inequality, Kids and families, Poverty, SNAP, Sustainability, Workers
Capital Eye Vol. 11 No. 6
Week six of the 2018 legislative session kicked off with a public hearing on a bill to restrict access to food assistance (SNAP) and other vital safety net programs, and wrapped up with thousands of teachers filling the halls of the Capitol to demand better pay and a fix for PEIA. Read more about the status of these and other proposals including campus carry, co-tenancy, and bills to reshape our judicial system; and actions you can take to support redistricting reform and energy efficiency, and oppose logging in our state parks. More
Issues: Budget priorities, Civil Justice, Education, Energy, Energy efficiency, Inequality, Kids and families, Poverty, SNAP, Sustainability, Workers
Newsletter article Julie Archer 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 Justice, Clean elections
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 Justice, Clean elections
Newsletter February 4, 2018
Capital Eye Vol. 11 No. 4
Week Four of the 2018 legislative session was a wild week, with President Trump and the GOP at the Greenbrier (we visited, too!), and teachers rallying at the Capitol for better pay and fixes for PEIA. During Week Five, several bills pending in the House Judiciary Committee are or are likely to be the subject of public hearings. Keep reading for details and actions you can take. We also hope you can join us for All Kinds are Welcome Here Civil Liberties Lobby Day on Thursday, February 8 and other events at the Capitol this week. And please take advantage of the upcoming Your Voice WV: Citizen Lobbyist trainings if one is planned for your area. More
Issues: Budget priorities, Civil Justice, Energy, Fracking, Healthcare, Inequality, Medicare, Pollution, SNAP, Water, Workers
Capital Eye Vol. 11 No. 4
Week Four of the 2018 legislative session was a wild week, with President Trump and the GOP at the Greenbrier (we visited, too!), and teachers rallying at the Capitol for better pay and fixes for PEIA. During Week Five, several bills pending in the House Judiciary Committee are or are likely to be the subject of public hearings. Keep reading for details and actions you can take. We also hope you can join us for All Kinds are Welcome Here Civil Liberties Lobby Day on Thursday, February 8 and other events at the Capitol this week. And please take advantage of the upcoming Your Voice WV: Citizen Lobbyist trainings if one is planned for your area. More
Issues: Budget priorities, Civil Justice, Energy, Fracking, Healthcare, Inequality, Medicare, Pollution, SNAP, Water, Workers
Newsletter article Gary Zuckett 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 Justice, Education, Energy, Healthcare, Inequality, Kids and families, Medicare, Poverty, SNAP, Water, 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 Justice, Education, Energy, Healthcare, Inequality, Kids and families, Medicare, Poverty, SNAP, Water, Workers
Action Alert January 5, 2018
Documentary Film Screening Marks Anniversary of 2014 Water Crisis
To mark the fourth anniversary of the water crisis, the WV International Film Festival (WVIFF) is hosting a work in-progress preview of a new film with an important connection to our community. Still Life, is a feature documentary about the chemical spill of 2014, the urban crises it caused, and the foundation of chronic environmental devastation within which it occurred. Click here for showtimes and more information. This is also a reminder that those affected by the water crisis are eligible to file claims as part of the proposed class action settlement of lawsuits filed in response to the chemical spill. More info. here. More
Issues: Aboveground Storage Tanks, Civil Justice, Energy, MCHM, Water
Documentary Film Screening Marks Anniversary of 2014 Water Crisis
To mark the fourth anniversary of the water crisis, the WV International Film Festival (WVIFF) is hosting a work in-progress preview of a new film with an important connection to our community. Still Life, is a feature documentary about the chemical spill of 2014, the urban crises it caused, and the foundation of chronic environmental devastation within which it occurred. Click here for showtimes and more information. This is also a reminder that those affected by the water crisis are eligible to file claims as part of the proposed class action settlement of lawsuits filed in response to the chemical spill. More info. here. More
Issues: Aboveground Storage Tanks, Civil Justice, Energy, MCHM, Water
Citizen Action Group Blog November 7, 2017
Charleston’s ordinance directed at homeless panhandling
On Monday, November 6, 2017, nine council members* from Charleston, West Virginia, City Council introduced a bill to change how soliciting works in Charleston. The bill is directed at a perceived homeless problem in Charleston, and so-called “aggressive panhandling.” WV Citizen Action Group has some concerns about this law. Stay tuned in this space for our specific comments. In the meantime, you can read the proposed ordinance here. More
Issues: Civil Justice, Discrimination, Inequality
Charleston’s ordinance directed at homeless panhandling
On Monday, November 6, 2017, nine council members* from Charleston, West Virginia, City Council introduced a bill to change how soliciting works in Charleston. The bill is directed at a perceived homeless problem in Charleston, and so-called “aggressive panhandling.” WV Citizen Action Group has some concerns about this law. Stay tuned in this space for our specific comments. In the meantime, you can read the proposed ordinance here. More
Issues: Civil Justice, Discrimination, Inequality
Advocacy Letter October 31, 2017
Letter of Concern to FBI Regarding Assessment Targeting “Black Identity Extremists”
An FBI intelligence assessment was recently leaked that singled out "Black Identity Extremists" as a likely threat to attack law enforcement officers. Given the FBI's history of survelling and harassing African American leaders, and the reality that white supremacy constitutes a much greater threat, this assessment raises serious concerns. More
Issues: Civil Justice, Discrimination, Inequality
Letter of Concern to FBI Regarding Assessment Targeting “Black Identity Extremists”
An FBI intelligence assessment was recently leaked that singled out "Black Identity Extremists" as a likely threat to attack law enforcement officers. Given the FBI's history of survelling and harassing African American leaders, and the reality that white supremacy constitutes a much greater threat, this assessment raises serious concerns. More
Issues: Civil Justice, Discrimination, Inequality
Advocacy Letter October 12, 2017
Comments on Proposed Modification of Consent Decree Regarding Bayer CropScience Plant Explosion
Letter to the U.S. Department of Justice about an administration effort to cut Bayer’s payments under a federal settlement with the DOJ and the Environmental Protection Agency to resolve safety violations cited in a 2008 explosion at its plant in Institute. More
Issues: Aboveground Storage Tanks, Civil Justice, Pollution, Water
Comments on Proposed Modification of Consent Decree Regarding Bayer CropScience Plant Explosion
Letter to the U.S. Department of Justice about an administration effort to cut Bayer’s payments under a federal settlement with the DOJ and the Environmental Protection Agency to resolve safety violations cited in a 2008 explosion at its plant in Institute. More
Issues: Aboveground Storage Tanks, Civil Justice, Pollution, Water
Action Alert March 31, 2017
More Ways to Take Action than You Can Shake a Stick At
As the War on Water continues, Medical Marijuana bill advances to the full House, and calls needed to House Judiciary to money in politics, consumer protections, and SNAP benefits. More
Issues: Aboveground Storage Tanks, Civil Justice, Clean elections, Pollution, SNAP, Water
More Ways to Take Action than You Can Shake a Stick At
As the War on Water continues, Medical Marijuana bill advances to the full House, and calls needed to House Judiciary to money in politics, consumer protections, and SNAP benefits. More
Issues: Aboveground Storage Tanks, Civil Justice, Clean elections, Pollution, SNAP, Water
Newsletter March 26, 2017
Capital Eye Update: Wins and Losses
This past week was a mixed bag of wins and losses at the Legislature. In the House, a broadband access bill was passed, stricter voter ID requirements were rejected and automatic voter registration (AVR) was saved. In the Senate, the tank bill passed, and the Cancer Creek bill is advancing. A medical cannabis bill was passed by the Senate Health and Human Resources (HHR) Committee, but consumer protections are at risk. On the federal scene, a health care disaster was narrowly averted when the House failed to pass TrumpCare. More
Issues: Aboveground Storage Tanks, Budget priorities, Civil Justice, Clean elections, DEP, Energy, Energy efficiency, Healthcare, Pollution, SNAP, Water
Capital Eye Update: Wins and Losses
This past week was a mixed bag of wins and losses at the Legislature. In the House, a broadband access bill was passed, stricter voter ID requirements were rejected and automatic voter registration (AVR) was saved. In the Senate, the tank bill passed, and the Cancer Creek bill is advancing. A medical cannabis bill was passed by the Senate Health and Human Resources (HHR) Committee, but consumer protections are at risk. On the federal scene, a health care disaster was narrowly averted when the House failed to pass TrumpCare. More
Issues: Aboveground Storage Tanks, Budget priorities, Civil Justice, Clean elections, DEP, Energy, Energy efficiency, Healthcare, Pollution, SNAP, Water
Action Alert March 22, 2017
Tell Lawmakers: Protect Consumers from Shady Car Dealers and Debt Collectors
Two-for-one special on actions you can take now to protect consumers in West Virginia! SB 556 and SB 563 are a pair of bills pending in the Senate Judiciary Committee that would gut the West Virginia Consumer Credit Protection Act (WVCCPA) and allow predatory debt collectors to run wild. The House Judiciary Committee is considering a bill (SB 216) that lets shady car dealers sell lemons without much risk of consequences, leaving buyers holding the bag. More
Issues: Civil Justice
Tell Lawmakers: Protect Consumers from Shady Car Dealers and Debt Collectors
Two-for-one special on actions you can take now to protect consumers in West Virginia! SB 556 and SB 563 are a pair of bills pending in the Senate Judiciary Committee that would gut the West Virginia Consumer Credit Protection Act (WVCCPA) and allow predatory debt collectors to run wild. The House Judiciary Committee is considering a bill (SB 216) that lets shady car dealers sell lemons without much risk of consequences, leaving buyers holding the bag. More
Issues: Civil Justice
Action Alert, Newsletter March 20, 2017
Capital Eye: This Week: The AHCA vs ACA
This week national events competed with the drama at the state capitol as the Republican’s American Health Care Act (AHCA) was released as a proposed replacement for the Affordable Care Act (ACA or ObamaCare). More
Issues: Aboveground Storage Tanks, Budget priorities, Civil Justice, Energy, Energy efficiency, HCAN, Healthcare, Inequality, Kids and families, Poverty, Water
Capital Eye: This Week: The AHCA vs ACA
This week national events competed with the drama at the state capitol as the Republican’s American Health Care Act (AHCA) was released as a proposed replacement for the Affordable Care Act (ACA or ObamaCare). More
Issues: Aboveground Storage Tanks, Budget priorities, Civil Justice, Energy, Energy efficiency, HCAN, Healthcare, Inequality, Kids and families, Poverty, Water
Newsletter March 13, 2017
Capital Eye: What a Week!
By week’s end, the Senate had introduced 585 bills and the House 934 for a total of 1519. Assuming that a certain number are companions to ones in the other chamber, let’s say that makes over a thousand attempts to add to, change, or eliminate functions of our government. Next Tuesday is the last day to introduce bills in the house. The following Monday the 20th is the last in the Senate. Then the countdown clock begins to the April 8th end of the session. It can’t happen soon enough. More
Issues: Aboveground Storage Tanks, Budget priorities, Civil Justice, Clean elections, Energy, Energy efficiency, SNAP, Water
Capital Eye: What a Week!
By week’s end, the Senate had introduced 585 bills and the House 934 for a total of 1519. Assuming that a certain number are companions to ones in the other chamber, let’s say that makes over a thousand attempts to add to, change, or eliminate functions of our government. Next Tuesday is the last day to introduce bills in the house. The following Monday the 20th is the last in the Senate. Then the countdown clock begins to the April 8th end of the session. It can’t happen soon enough. More
Issues: Aboveground Storage Tanks, Budget priorities, Civil Justice, Clean elections, Energy, Energy efficiency, SNAP, Water
Newsletter February 24, 2017
Capital Eye: Frogs in February?
Another week of legislative session has come and gone! While things aren't so pretty in the Capitol, they sure are outside (thanks, global warming). Read up on what's been happening in our weekly Capital Eye update below. More
Issues: Budget priorities, Civil Justice, Event, Fair taxation, Inequality, Water
Capital Eye: Frogs in February?
Another week of legislative session has come and gone! While things aren't so pretty in the Capitol, they sure are outside (thanks, global warming). Read up on what's been happening in our weekly Capital Eye update below. More
Issues: Budget priorities, Civil Justice, Event, Fair taxation, Inequality, Water
Advocacy Letter Ciera Pennington September 21, 2016
182 Organizations from 35 States Call for Congressional Review of FERC
More than 180 organizations representing communities across America called on leaders in the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and House Energy and Commerce Committee to hold congressional hearings into the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC) extensive history of bias and abuse. The groups are also requesting reform of the Natural Gas Act, which the groups say, gives too much power to FERC and too little to state and local officials. More
Issues: Civil Justice
182 Organizations from 35 States Call for Congressional Review of FERC
More than 180 organizations representing communities across America called on leaders in the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and House Energy and Commerce Committee to hold congressional hearings into the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC) extensive history of bias and abuse. The groups are also requesting reform of the Natural Gas Act, which the groups say, gives too much power to FERC and too little to state and local officials. More
Issues: Civil Justice
Action Alert Ciera Pennington June 22, 2016
Stop Payday Predators
The federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) recently released proposed rules that, if strengthened, could rein in the worst abuses of payday and car-title lending. Thankfully West Virginia protects its citizens against abusive payday loans, but the CFPB still needs to hear from you. More
Issues: Civil Justice, Discrimination, Inequality, Poverty
Stop Payday Predators
The federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) recently released proposed rules that, if strengthened, could rein in the worst abuses of payday and car-title lending. Thankfully West Virginia protects its citizens against abusive payday loans, but the CFPB still needs to hear from you. More
Issues: Civil Justice, Discrimination, Inequality, Poverty