Tag: Families
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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
Action Alert CAG March 12, 2018
Tell Governor Justice to Veto HB 4006
The same day the Governor signed the bill to provide pay raises for teachers and public employees, shady deals started happening under the dome. Late that night, the Senate Education Committee advanced a bill to eliminate the Department of Education and the Arts (HB 4006). The approved the bill on Friday, and, on Saturday, the House agreed to the Senate's amended version of HB 4006, sending the bill to Governor Justice for his signature or veto. The bill puts programs like AmeriCorps and Energy Express in jeopardy. These programs, our children, and our people are too important to gamble with for partisan and personal politics. Please contact Governor Justice today and tell him to veto HB 4006. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Families
Tell Governor Justice to Veto HB 4006
The same day the Governor signed the bill to provide pay raises for teachers and public employees, shady deals started happening under the dome. Late that night, the Senate Education Committee advanced a bill to eliminate the Department of Education and the Arts (HB 4006). The approved the bill on Friday, and, on Saturday, the House agreed to the Senate's amended version of HB 4006, sending the bill to Governor Justice for his signature or veto. The bill puts programs like AmeriCorps and Energy Express in jeopardy. These programs, our children, and our people are too important to gamble with for partisan and personal politics. Please contact Governor Justice today and tell him to veto HB 4006. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Families
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 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
Tell Your Delegate: A Tiny Minority Doesn’t Get to Decide My Rights
West Virginia made headlines in 2016 for passing more LGBTQ-inclusive nondiscrimination ordinances than any other state. But a bill making its way through the state Legislature is designed to stop our march toward fairness and equality in its tracks. HB 4158 empowers the fringe to upend protections for real people. Please take action today! This bill is moving fast. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Families
Tell Your Delegate: A Tiny Minority Doesn’t Get to Decide My Rights
West Virginia made headlines in 2016 for passing more LGBTQ-inclusive nondiscrimination ordinances than any other state. But a bill making its way through the state Legislature is designed to stop our march toward fairness and equality in its tracks. HB 4158 empowers the fringe to upend protections for real people. Please take action today! This bill is moving fast. More
Issues: Civil Rights, Families
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
Action Alert CAG February 4, 2018
Health Not Politics – Public Hearing on HB 4012, Calls to House Judiciary Needed
When a woman in West Virginia is enrolled in the state's Medicaid health insurance program, all of her reproductive health services should be covered including annual check-ups, prenatal and maternity care, family planning services including birth control, and abortion. HB 4012 aims to take away abortion coverage under Medicaid and we must stop it! Please contact House Judiciary Committee members and tell them they shouldn't be playing politics with women's health care. More
Issues: Budget Priorities, Civil Rights, Families, Healthcare
Health Not Politics – Public Hearing on HB 4012, Calls to House Judiciary Needed
When a woman in West Virginia is enrolled in the state's Medicaid health insurance program, all of her reproductive health services should be covered including annual check-ups, prenatal and maternity care, family planning services including birth control, and abortion. HB 4012 aims to take away abortion coverage under Medicaid and we must stop it! Please contact House Judiciary Committee members and tell them they shouldn't be playing politics with women's health care. More
Issues: Budget Priorities, Civil Rights, Families, Healthcare
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, 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