Women’s Bill of Rights’ has ‘absolutely nothing to do with women’

February 9, 2024

CHARLESTON — In a public hearing about legislation called “The Women’s Bill of Rights,” most speakers said the bill does nothing of the sort and, instead, is an effort to punch down on transgender people. Some speakers countered that Thursday, saying society has reached the point that the bill is necessary to define “man” and “woman,” while specifying that public spaces like restrooms and locker rooms should be reserved under those definitions. House Bill 5243 generated a splash last week when Gov. Jim Justice advocated for its passage along with Riley Gaines, a ...

Bill allowing sale of raw milk advances through ag committee

February 9, 2024

A bill that would allow the sale of raw milk in West Virginia passed the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee in the House of Delegates Wednesday. The bill, HB 4911, would wipe out current state law that only allows the distribution of raw milk through what are called “shared animal ownership agreements.” Bill sponsor, Del. Mike Hornby, R-Berkeley, called the current law, passed in 2016, relating to raw milk a “ponzi scheme.” He said residents should be allowed to sell raw milk to their neighbors. “This is a freedom bill,” Hornby said. “If I want to ...

City Councilor Danielle Trumble appointed to serve on League of Cities Human Development Committee

February 9, 2024

Danielle Trumble, Fifth Ward City Councilor of Morgantown, has been appointed to the National League of Cities (NLC) 2024 Human Development Federal Advocacy Committee. Trumble was elected to a one-year term and will provide strategic direction and guidance for NLC’s federal advocacy agenda and policy priorities on workforce development, education, early childhood, public health care, mental health parity, immigration reform and more. The appointment was announced by NLC President Mayor David Sander of Rancho Cordova, Calif. “I’m honored for the opportunity to be an ...

Senate committee OKs bills dealing with growth and county zoning, business-improvement impact fees, and state building code

February 8, 2024

MORGANTOWN — Three bills with impact on Monongalia County advanced out of the Senate Government Organization Committee Thursday morning. SB 530 deals with impact fees related to population growth and public service needs that designated growth counties are permitted to levy. To ...

Mon Commission puts $250,000 into Richwood redevelopment project

February 7, 2024

MORGANTOWN — After three years in process, the remaking of about 10 acres on the doorstep of downtown Morgantown is ready to begin in reality.  And none too soon.  The Monongalia County Development Authority, which purchased the property along Richwood Avenue for $11.8 million ...

A sampling of bills introduced Wednesday, Feb. 7

February 7, 2024

MORGANTOWN — Here is a sampling of bills introduced Wednesday, Feb. 7. Local sponsors and co-sponsors are noted. SB 690, to create a commission on West Virginia Agritourism to review and investigate means of preserving our farmland and growing our agricultural tourism and agricultural ...