Tag: Economy
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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 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
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
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 CAG 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 Rights, Economy, Energy, Environment, Families, 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 Rights, Economy, Energy, Environment, Families, Workers
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
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
Action Alert CAG February 6, 2018
Radical Constitutional Amendment Up for Vote by WV Senate
The Senate Judiciary Committee has advanced a radical constitutional amendment (SJR 12) that targets Medicaid coverage for abortions for low-income women and opens the door for further attacks on the reproductive rights of all West Virginia women. Please take action by emailing and calling your Senators. Tell them to stand with West Virginia women and families to protect our healthcare and our rights, and vote NO on SJR 12. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Economy, Families, Healthcare
Radical Constitutional Amendment Up for Vote by WV Senate
The Senate Judiciary Committee has advanced a radical constitutional amendment (SJR 12) that targets Medicaid coverage for abortions for low-income women and opens the door for further attacks on the reproductive rights of all West Virginia women. Please take action by emailing and calling your Senators. Tell them to stand with West Virginia women and families to protect our healthcare and our rights, and vote NO on SJR 12. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Economy, Families, Healthcare
Newsletter CAG 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 Rights, Economy, Energy, Environment, Families, Healthcare, 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 Rights, Economy, Energy, Environment, Families, Healthcare, Workers
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 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, Inequality, 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, Inequality, 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