Tag: Democracy
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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
Newsletter article CAG March 4, 2018
As Redistricting Bill Dies in the House, Commission Proposal Considered in Senate Judiciary Committee
HB 2383, which would specify factors that can (and cannot) consider in the redistricting process, failed to advance before Crossover Day (the deadline for bills to be out of the house of origin). The next day the Senate Judiciary Committee took up a bill (HB 4002) passed by the House of Delegates earlier in the session mandating that the House go to 100 single delegate districts after the 2020 census. In an interesting twist, Senator Stephen Baldwin (D-Greenbrier) offered and amendment to HB 4002 that would incorporate the provisions of a Senate bill (SB 54), a bill he co-sponsored with Senate Judiciary Chair Charles Trump (R-Morgan) and others, which would establish an independent commission to propose redistricting plans. Read more here. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy
As Redistricting Bill Dies in the House, Commission Proposal Considered in Senate Judiciary Committee
HB 2383, which would specify factors that can (and cannot) consider in the redistricting process, failed to advance before Crossover Day (the deadline for bills to be out of the house of origin). The next day the Senate Judiciary Committee took up a bill (HB 4002) passed by the House of Delegates earlier in the session mandating that the House go to 100 single delegate districts after the 2020 census. In an interesting twist, Senator Stephen Baldwin (D-Greenbrier) offered and amendment to HB 4002 that would incorporate the provisions of a Senate bill (SB 54), a bill he co-sponsored with Senate Judiciary Chair Charles Trump (R-Morgan) and others, which would establish an independent commission to propose redistricting plans. Read more here. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy
Newsletter CAG February 26, 2018
Capital Eye Vol. 11 No. 7
Last week was Strike Week at the Legislature, with Thursday and Friday being Day 1 and 2 of a statewide walkout by teachers and school service personnel demanding better wages and a permanent fix to PEIA. On Thursday, more than 5,000 people entered the Capitol through two public access points, with equally large crowds gathering on subsequent days of the ongoing strike. Despite the presence of thousands of outraged teachers and state employees and more pressing issues to deal with, the "bad idea factory" keeps churning undeterred. More
Issues: Budget Priorities, Civil Rights, Democracy, Economy, Energy, Families, Healthcare, Workers
Capital Eye Vol. 11 No. 7
Last week was Strike Week at the Legislature, with Thursday and Friday being Day 1 and 2 of a statewide walkout by teachers and school service personnel demanding better wages and a permanent fix to PEIA. On Thursday, more than 5,000 people entered the Capitol through two public access points, with equally large crowds gathering on subsequent days of the ongoing strike. Despite the presence of thousands of outraged teachers and state employees and more pressing issues to deal with, the "bad idea factory" keeps churning undeterred. More
Issues: Budget Priorities, Civil Rights, Democracy, Economy, Energy, Families, Healthcare, Workers
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 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 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 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 CAG February 13, 2018
Capital Eye Vol. 11 No. 5
We are now halfway through the 2018 legislative session. We started off last week with FirstEnergy filing a notice with the Public Service Commission that it will stop fighting to transfer ownership of the Pleasants Power Plant to its West Virginia utilities. This is a major win for the 530,000 Mon Power and Potomac Edison consumers in West Virginia! Learn more about this victory and what's happening at the Capitol on redistricting, "co-tenancy," and more in this week's Capital Eye. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy, Energy, Environment, Healthcare, Workers
Capital Eye Vol. 11 No. 5
We are now halfway through the 2018 legislative session. We started off last week with FirstEnergy filing a notice with the Public Service Commission that it will stop fighting to transfer ownership of the Pleasants Power Plant to its West Virginia utilities. This is a major win for the 530,000 Mon Power and Potomac Edison consumers in West Virginia! Learn more about this victory and what's happening at the Capitol on redistricting, "co-tenancy," and more in this week's Capital Eye. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy, Energy, Environment, Healthcare, Workers
Action Alert CAG February 10, 2018
Don’t Punish Families That Rely on SNAP & Other Safety Net Programs
Similar to last year, some members of the West Virginia House have introduced a bill (H.B. 4001) that would further restrict access to food assistance (SNAP) and other vital safety net programs. On Monday, February 12 at 8:30AM, the House Judiciary Committee will hold a public hearing on HB 4001 in the House Chamber. If you can’t make it to Charleston, please contact House Judiciary Committee members and your delegate(s). Tell them not to punish families who rely on SNAP, Medicaid, and other safety net programs. More
Issues: Budget Priorities, Democracy, Economy, Families
Don’t Punish Families That Rely on SNAP & Other Safety Net Programs
Similar to last year, some members of the West Virginia House have introduced a bill (H.B. 4001) that would further restrict access to food assistance (SNAP) and other vital safety net programs. On Monday, February 12 at 8:30AM, the House Judiciary Committee will hold a public hearing on HB 4001 in the House Chamber. If you can’t make it to Charleston, please contact House Judiciary Committee members and your delegate(s). Tell them not to punish families who rely on SNAP, Medicaid, and other safety net programs. More
Issues: Budget Priorities, Democracy, Economy, Families
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 CAG January 22, 2018
Capital Eye Vol. 11 No. 2
This week we're writing you on the heels of several West Virginia events commemorating last year’s historic Women’s March. These inspiring events show that our movement(s) are alive and well. Keep reading for a look at some of the bad (and good) bills that are starting to work their way through the process, actions you can take, and other highlights from the second week of the session. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy, Economy, Families, Healthcare, Workers
Capital Eye Vol. 11 No. 2
This week we're writing you on the heels of several West Virginia events commemorating last year’s historic Women’s March. These inspiring events show that our movement(s) are alive and well. Keep reading for a look at some of the bad (and good) bills that are starting to work their way through the process, actions you can take, and other highlights from the second week of the session. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy, Economy, Families, Healthcare, Workers
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
Action Alert CAG January 22, 2018
Stop HB 4001: Don’t Punish Families Who Rely on SNAP, Medicaid, and TANF
HB 4001 contains several measures that punish families who rely on SNAP, Medicaid or TANF, and contracts with a private vendor to verify eligibility. It is designed to do nothing more than kick people off of these programs and pay millions to a third party administrator. Call House Health Committee members and tell them not to hurt West Virginia families. More
Issues: Budget Priorities, Democracy, Economy, Families
Stop HB 4001: Don’t Punish Families Who Rely on SNAP, Medicaid, and TANF
HB 4001 contains several measures that punish families who rely on SNAP, Medicaid or TANF, and contracts with a private vendor to verify eligibility. It is designed to do nothing more than kick people off of these programs and pay millions to a third party administrator. Call House Health Committee members and tell them not to hurt West Virginia families. More
Issues: Budget Priorities, Democracy, Economy, Families
Newsletter CAG January 16, 2018
Capital Eye Vol. 11 No. 1
We began this week celebrating and honoring Dr. Martin Luther King , Jr. with a day dedicated to public service and a time for reflection on issues of justice, equality, and moral leadership. May Dr. King's legacy inspire us to continue the fight for a more fair and equal nation and state, and a brighter future for all. The 2018 legislative session will provide many opportunities to come together to fight for justice and equality. Keep reading for an overview of the State of the State and a preview of what to expect in the days ahead. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy, Economy, Energy, Environment, Healthcare
Capital Eye Vol. 11 No. 1
We began this week celebrating and honoring Dr. Martin Luther King , Jr. with a day dedicated to public service and a time for reflection on issues of justice, equality, and moral leadership. May Dr. King's legacy inspire us to continue the fight for a more fair and equal nation and state, and a brighter future for all. The 2018 legislative session will provide many opportunities to come together to fight for justice and equality. Keep reading for an overview of the State of the State and a preview of what to expect in the days ahead. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy, Economy, Energy, Environment, Healthcare
Action Alert CAG December 1, 2017
Join Us for a Great Movie & Healthcare Forum
We are really excited and grateful for the opportunity to bring the documentary, Waking the Sleeping Giant, here to Charleston. Don't miss a chance to see this amazing film. The first screening taking place Monday, December 4 at the Underground Cinema. Read this post for details and additional showtimes. We are also co-hosting a healthcare forum with our allies on Thursday, December 7 to discuss why our current system is broken, how it could be improved, and what we're doing locally to build a movement for healthcare for all. More details here. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy, Economy, Families, Healthcare
Join Us for a Great Movie & Healthcare Forum
We are really excited and grateful for the opportunity to bring the documentary, Waking the Sleeping Giant, here to Charleston. Don't miss a chance to see this amazing film. The first screening taking place Monday, December 4 at the Underground Cinema. Read this post for details and additional showtimes. We are also co-hosting a healthcare forum with our allies on Thursday, December 7 to discuss why our current system is broken, how it could be improved, and what we're doing locally to build a movement for healthcare for all. More details here. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy, Economy, Families, Healthcare
Newsletter CAG November 25, 2017
Capital Eye: Fall 2017 Vol. 10 No. 12
We may not have been able to stop Trump from taking office, but we can and will continue to fight back against his disastrous policies and executive orders. With your support, WV Citizen Action is ready to keep the pressure on Trump, as well as federal and state lawmakers supporting his agenda. Click here for actions you can take now to push back against efforts to repeal the Clean Power Plan, and giving massive, unnecessary tax cuts to billionaires that will force cuts in health care, education and other vital programs. Our fight isn’t just in Washington. We've also included actions you can take to protect West Virginia consumers and energy efficiency programs at the PSC. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy, Economy, Energy, Environment, Fair taxation, Healthcare
Capital Eye: Fall 2017 Vol. 10 No. 12
We may not have been able to stop Trump from taking office, but we can and will continue to fight back against his disastrous policies and executive orders. With your support, WV Citizen Action is ready to keep the pressure on Trump, as well as federal and state lawmakers supporting his agenda. Click here for actions you can take now to push back against efforts to repeal the Clean Power Plan, and giving massive, unnecessary tax cuts to billionaires that will force cuts in health care, education and other vital programs. Our fight isn’t just in Washington. We've also included actions you can take to protect West Virginia consumers and energy efficiency programs at the PSC. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Democracy, Economy, Energy, Environment, Fair taxation, Healthcare
Citizen Action Group Blog CAG 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 Rights, Democracy, Families
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 Rights, Democracy, Families
Advocacy Letter CAG 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 Rights, Democracy, Families
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 Rights, Democracy, Families