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House Democrats talk special session priorities

BY MIKE NOLTING West Virginia House Democrats are presenting a list of items they want on a special session agenda. House Minority Leader Sean Hornbuckle, D-Cabell, said the special session should not be a second attempt for Republicans to pass measures related to their cultural agenda. Speaking at a recent news conference, Hornbuckle said too much time was wasted in the regular session debating Senate Bill 601, the Women’s Bill of Rights, and House Bill 4654, the measure holding some criminally liable for obscene material in public libraries or museums. “Let me repeat, ...

Gov issues proclamation for National Alcohol Awareness Month

The West Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control Administration (WVABCA) was pleased to report that Gov. Jim Justice officially recognized April as Alcohol Awareness Month in West Virginia. In issuing a proclamation, the governor emphasized the need to increase public awareness and understanding about the dangers associated with underage alcohol use and adult alcohol misuse. Since 1987, the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence has recognized April as Alcohol Awareness Month. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, every year in the United States ...

Butcher resigns from Rainbow House board

In posts to various social media outlets on Thursday, Brian Butcher announced he resigned from the Rainbow House board of directors on Monday, March 25, citing consistent threats being made against him and other board members as one of the main reasons.  “I have come to this decision ...

Governor signs bill phasing out state income taxes on Social Security

An organization representing senior citizens is praising Gov. Jim Justice for signing a bill phasing out state taxes on Social Security benefits. “We thank the governor for signing this legislation, and we thank the Legislature for taking action to put more money into the pockets of ...

Unemployment bill becomes law without governor’s signature

A controversial bill affecting West Virginia’s unemployment system is now law after Gov. Jim Justice took no action on it. The governor had until midnight Wednesday to sign or veto dozens of bills. By about 5:30 p.m., the governor’s office sent out a statement saying he had taken ...

Vaccination exemption bill maybe back

Lawmakers who supported a bill with exceptions to West Virginia’s school vaccination policies predict it will be back next year and bigger than ever. “If I have any say in it, absolutely,” said Sen. Patricia Rucker, R-Jefferson. Gov. Jim Justice on Wednesday vetoed a bill ...