Tag: Democracy
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Newsletter CAG February 4, 2019
Capital Eye: Volume 12, Number 4
This week, two contentious bills were moving fast – the Ominous Education Overhaul bill and one putting foster kids into managed care organizations (MCOs). Both will get increased scrutiny as they move to the other side. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy, Energy, Environment, Healthcare
Capital Eye: Volume 12, Number 4
This week, two contentious bills were moving fast – the Ominous Education Overhaul bill and one putting foster kids into managed care organizations (MCOs). Both will get increased scrutiny as they move to the other side. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy, Energy, Environment, Healthcare
Newsletter article CAG 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 Rights, Democracy
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 Rights, Democracy
Newsletter CAG January 21, 2019
Capital Eye Vol. 12 No. 2
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. More here on some of the good, bad, and just plain ugly bills that we’re either promoting or trying to stop here, as well as actions you can take to help end the government shutdown, protect our water and our health, and strengthen our democracy. More
Issues: Budget Priorities, Civil Rights, Democracy, Energy, Environment, Families, Healthcare
Capital Eye Vol. 12 No. 2
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. More here on some of the good, bad, and just plain ugly bills that we’re either promoting or trying to stop here, as well as actions you can take to help end the government shutdown, protect our water and our health, and strengthen our democracy. More
Issues: Budget Priorities, Civil Rights, Democracy, Energy, Environment, Families, Healthcare
Newsletter article CAG 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, Civil Rights, Democracy, Environment, Fair taxation, Families, Workers
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, Civil Rights, Democracy, Environment, Fair taxation, Families, Workers
Newsletter article CAG 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: Civil Rights, Democracy, Families
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: Civil Rights, Democracy, Families
Newsletter CAG January 14, 2019
Capital Eye Vol. 12 No. 1
It's a new year, and a new legislature. In this issue of the Capital Eye, we give you a glimpse at some of the upcoming fights and things to watch for, as well as a list of resources to help you be an informed activist throughout the session. We've only scratched the surface of both the potential damage and opportunities that abound during this current 60-day legislative session, so please stay tuned to our weekly updates. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy, Environment, Fair taxation, Families, Workers
Capital Eye Vol. 12 No. 1
It's a new year, and a new legislature. In this issue of the Capital Eye, we give you a glimpse at some of the upcoming fights and things to watch for, as well as a list of resources to help you be an informed activist throughout the session. We've only scratched the surface of both the potential damage and opportunities that abound during this current 60-day legislative session, so please stay tuned to our weekly updates. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy, Environment, Fair taxation, Families, Workers
Citizen Action Group Blog CAG January 14, 2019
This is What Democracy Looks Like, and You Are In It
The 2018 WV teachers' strike is a recent example of how people power works. We, the people, know how to make WV a better place to live. But we need to fix a broken system. Here's a solution. Help West Virginia Citizens for Clean Elections advance the Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform during the 2019 West Virginia Legislative Session. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy, Families
This is What Democracy Looks Like, and You Are In It
The 2018 WV teachers' strike is a recent example of how people power works. We, the people, know how to make WV a better place to live. But we need to fix a broken system. Here's a solution. Help West Virginia Citizens for Clean Elections advance the Pro-Democracy, Anti-Corruption Platform during the 2019 West Virginia Legislative Session. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy, Families
Action Alert CAG October 12, 2018
October Events You Don’t Want to Miss
There are several upcoming events in Charleston that offer an opportunity to engage with other folks who are exploring ways to respond to climate change, how to achieve health care for all, and common sense solutions to fight the influence of big money in politics. There are also chances to learn more about and hear directly from the candidates in key races this election (see details here). More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy, Energy, Healthcare
October Events You Don’t Want to Miss
There are several upcoming events in Charleston that offer an opportunity to engage with other folks who are exploring ways to respond to climate change, how to achieve health care for all, and common sense solutions to fight the influence of big money in politics. There are also chances to learn more about and hear directly from the candidates in key races this election (see details here). More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy, Energy, Healthcare
Action Alert CAG September 4, 2018
Take Action to Save Our Courts
There's still time to make your voice heard. Senator Joe Manchin is continuing to solicit thoughts and concerns as he evaluates Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh ahead of a vote by the full Senate. While Kavanaugh's confirmation will push SCOTUS further to the right, it is quite possible that at the state level a single party, through a pre-planned partisan impeachment process, will seize control of the WV Supreme Court of Appeals for the next 2 years. Take action to save our courts, and if you're in the Charleston area, join us for a community conversation about the Supreme Court impeachments why they matter, and how they affect West Virginians. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy, Healthcare
Take Action to Save Our Courts
There's still time to make your voice heard. Senator Joe Manchin is continuing to solicit thoughts and concerns as he evaluates Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh ahead of a vote by the full Senate. While Kavanaugh's confirmation will push SCOTUS further to the right, it is quite possible that at the state level a single party, through a pre-planned partisan impeachment process, will seize control of the WV Supreme Court of Appeals for the next 2 years. Take action to save our courts, and if you're in the Charleston area, join us for a community conversation about the Supreme Court impeachments why they matter, and how they affect West Virginians. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy, Healthcare
Action Alert CAG June 26, 2018
Join Today’s National Call-In Day to Protect SNAP
The Senate is expected for vote on the Farm Bill this week. Join today's national call-in day to protect SNAP benefit levels and eligibility for those struggling to put food on the table. Urge your Senators to vote to protect and strengthen SNAP, to vote “YES” on the Senate Agriculture Committee version of the Farm Bill (S. 3042), and to vote “NO” on any and all harmful amendments that would cut or weaken SNAP. More
Issues: Budget Priorities, Democracy, Economy, Families
Join Today’s National Call-In Day to Protect SNAP
The Senate is expected for vote on the Farm Bill this week. Join today's national call-in day to protect SNAP benefit levels and eligibility for those struggling to put food on the table. Urge your Senators to vote to protect and strengthen SNAP, to vote “YES” on the Senate Agriculture Committee version of the Farm Bill (S. 3042), and to vote “NO” on any and all harmful amendments that would cut or weaken SNAP. More
Issues: Budget Priorities, Democracy, Economy, Families
Action Alert CAG June 7, 2018
Don’t Miss These Climate Change, Fair Courts Events in Charleston
On Tuesday, June 12 celebrate science and honor two U.S. heroes from their work in defense of America at a luncheon hosted by Citizens Climate Lobby WV. The following week (Monday, June 18) WV Citizens for Clean Elections invites you to a training and discussion on the critical role the courts play in protecting our democracy and fundamental rights. We hope you can join us at one or both events. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy, Energy, Environment, Families
Don’t Miss These Climate Change, Fair Courts Events in Charleston
On Tuesday, June 12 celebrate science and honor two U.S. heroes from their work in defense of America at a luncheon hosted by Citizens Climate Lobby WV. The following week (Monday, June 18) WV Citizens for Clean Elections invites you to a training and discussion on the critical role the courts play in protecting our democracy and fundamental rights. We hope you can join us at one or both events. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy, Energy, Environment, Families
Action Alert CAG May 21, 2018
Farm Bill/SNAP Cuts Defeated, but House May Reconsider
In a last-ditch effort to revive the bill, House Speaker Ryan filed a motion to reconsider. This request for a new vote on the Farm Bill expires tomorrow (Tuesday). Please call West Virginia Reps. David McKinley, Alex Mooney and Evan Jenkins, today at 1-888-398-8702. Urge them to reconsider their support for the bill if it comes up for another vote. More
Issues: Budget Priorities, Democracy, Economy, Families
Farm Bill/SNAP Cuts Defeated, but House May Reconsider
In a last-ditch effort to revive the bill, House Speaker Ryan filed a motion to reconsider. This request for a new vote on the Farm Bill expires tomorrow (Tuesday). Please call West Virginia Reps. David McKinley, Alex Mooney and Evan Jenkins, today at 1-888-398-8702. Urge them to reconsider their support for the bill if it comes up for another vote. More
Issues: Budget Priorities, Democracy, Economy, Families
Press Release CAG May 18, 2018
House Farm Bill Should Protect SNAP and Health Care Rather Than Attacking Our Most Vulnerable
In response to the partisan vote in the U.S. House of Representatives on a version of the Farm Bill that includes new restrictions and cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Health Care for America Now released a statement calling on lawmakers to continue to reject partisan bills that cut food assistance and threaten health care, and develop a bipartisan measure that recognizes the importance of ensuring people have enough food to eat. More
Issues: Budget Priorities, Democracy, Economy, Families
House Farm Bill Should Protect SNAP and Health Care Rather Than Attacking Our Most Vulnerable
In response to the partisan vote in the U.S. House of Representatives on a version of the Farm Bill that includes new restrictions and cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Health Care for America Now released a statement calling on lawmakers to continue to reject partisan bills that cut food assistance and threaten health care, and develop a bipartisan measure that recognizes the importance of ensuring people have enough food to eat. More
Issues: Budget Priorities, Democracy, Economy, Families
Newsletter CAG April 24, 2018
Capital Eye Vol. 11, No. 10 – Spring 2018 Edition
In this Capital Eye: 2018 Legislative Wrap-Up, Trump Tax Scam Continues War on Health Care, Power to the People: WV CAG's Awards Dinner & Fundraiser, In Memory of a Big Hearted Water Warrior, Election 2018 (Be Ready to Vote: Voter ID Law Now in Effect, Follow the Money, Constitutional Amendments on the Ballot in November), Energy Efficient West Virginia (EEWV) Updates (FirstEnergy Drops Bid to Sell Pleasants Power Plant & more) More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy, Energy, Fair taxation, Healthcare, Workers
Capital Eye Vol. 11, No. 10 – Spring 2018 Edition
In this Capital Eye: 2018 Legislative Wrap-Up, Trump Tax Scam Continues War on Health Care, Power to the People: WV CAG's Awards Dinner & Fundraiser, In Memory of a Big Hearted Water Warrior, Election 2018 (Be Ready to Vote: Voter ID Law Now in Effect, Follow the Money, Constitutional Amendments on the Ballot in November), Energy Efficient West Virginia (EEWV) Updates (FirstEnergy Drops Bid to Sell Pleasants Power Plant & more) More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy, Energy, Fair taxation, Healthcare, Workers
Newsletter article CAG 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: Civil Rights, Democracy, Families
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: Civil Rights, Democracy, Families
Newsletter CAG March 16, 2018
Capital Eye Vol. 11 No. 9 – 2018 Legislative Wrap-Up
The 2018 legislative session is FINALLY over, and this is our wrap-up edition of the Capital Eye. Of the 1,778 bills introduced, 260 made it through the sausage grinder to the other end. They all will be signed, ignored by the governor (and become law without his signature), or vetoed. We’re asking him to veto two of them (we’d prefer he veto scores but that’s not going to happen), so read on for why, and make your calls if so moved. A big THANK YOU to all who came to the Capitol, sent emails, and/or made calls on important legislation, and sent in donations of support. As we pivot to federal issues and work to make sure that voters ‘Remember in November’ we hope you can join us for one or more upcoming events. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy, Economy, Environment, Families, Healthcare, Workers
Capital Eye Vol. 11 No. 9 – 2018 Legislative Wrap-Up
The 2018 legislative session is FINALLY over, and this is our wrap-up edition of the Capital Eye. Of the 1,778 bills introduced, 260 made it through the sausage grinder to the other end. They all will be signed, ignored by the governor (and become law without his signature), or vetoed. We’re asking him to veto two of them (we’d prefer he veto scores but that’s not going to happen), so read on for why, and make your calls if so moved. A big THANK YOU to all who came to the Capitol, sent emails, and/or made calls on important legislation, and sent in donations of support. As we pivot to federal issues and work to make sure that voters ‘Remember in November’ we hope you can join us for one or more upcoming events. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy, Economy, Environment, Families, Healthcare, Workers
Newsletter article CAG 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 Rights, Democracy, Healthcare
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 Rights, Democracy, Healthcare
Action Alert CAG March 7, 2018
Tell Senators to Vote NO on SNAP Work Requirements
The Senate Health and Human Resources Committee is moving forward with consideration of a bill (HB 4001) that would further restrict access to food assistance (SNAP). HB 4001 would implement work requirements in some of the state's poorest counties, and will only replicate the failures of the state’s nine-county pilot project which enacted a work requirement for SNAP that failed to boost employment but succeeded in lowering enrollment. Please contact members of the Senate Health Committee and your Senators and tell them to vote NO on HB 4001. More
Issues: Budget Priorities, Democracy, Economy, Families
Tell Senators to Vote NO on SNAP Work Requirements
The Senate Health and Human Resources Committee is moving forward with consideration of a bill (HB 4001) that would further restrict access to food assistance (SNAP). HB 4001 would implement work requirements in some of the state's poorest counties, and will only replicate the failures of the state’s nine-county pilot project which enacted a work requirement for SNAP that failed to boost employment but succeeded in lowering enrollment. Please contact members of the Senate Health Committee and your Senators and tell them to vote NO on HB 4001. More
Issues: Budget Priorities, Democracy, Economy, Families
Newsletter CAG 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 Rights, Democracy, Economy, Energy, Families, Healthcare, 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 Rights, Democracy, Economy, Energy, Families, Healthcare, Workers
Newsletter article CAG March 4, 2018
You, Too, Can Follow the Money
It's a rare day when a committee hearing on a bill before the West Virginia state house makes it into the New York Times and Fox News. In what is now likely a familiar story to most reading this, Lissa Lucas was escorted from the House chamber after being called out of order for reading a list of donations that each of the committee members had taken from interests that stood to benefit from the bill before the committee. Lucas is a candidate running for a House seat in this election, but you don't have to be running for office to get access to the information on campaign donors— you can do it too. Unfortunately, there is a big hole in the information available to the public, and it’s called dark money. West Virginia can and should do better at disclosing these secret and unaccountable sources of political influence, but in the meantime, try out one of these easy tools and take a look at the wealth of information they have on your legislators’ campaign donations. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy, Economy
You, Too, Can Follow the Money
It's a rare day when a committee hearing on a bill before the West Virginia state house makes it into the New York Times and Fox News. In what is now likely a familiar story to most reading this, Lissa Lucas was escorted from the House chamber after being called out of order for reading a list of donations that each of the committee members had taken from interests that stood to benefit from the bill before the committee. Lucas is a candidate running for a House seat in this election, but you don't have to be running for office to get access to the information on campaign donors— you can do it too. Unfortunately, there is a big hole in the information available to the public, and it’s called dark money. West Virginia can and should do better at disclosing these secret and unaccountable sources of political influence, but in the meantime, try out one of these easy tools and take a look at the wealth of information they have on your legislators’ campaign donations. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy, Economy