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Form Energy funding approved, but not without a fight

CHARLESTON — Following two hours of knock-down, drag-out debate, delegates voted to approve $105 million in state funding to support development of a cutting-edge battery plant. Delegates voted 69-25 to pass a supplemental appropriations bill that supports the Form Energy project in Hancock County. But for the second day in a row, lawmakers argued about public support for private projects, the demand for employment in West Virginia’s small towns, pride in the state’s coal-mining traditions, the philosophy of companies involved with energy transition and the potential of ...

Senators tout tax proposal as responsible, comprehensive

Senate President Craig Blair is feeling pretty good about the rollout of a new tax proposal estimated at $600 million. Senators introduced and passed a bill that touches on several sections of the tax code. On Thursday morning, Senate leaders met with House leaders and representatives of the Governor’s Office to start determining any common ground. “Our plan is working within the money that we know we have,” Blair, R-Berkeley, said on MetroNews’ “Talkline.” “The $600 million is basically because of the flatline budget we were working off before. “We know that ...

Senators start considering legislation affecting insurance for public employees

Senate Health Committee members kicked off consideration of a bill that would make changes to several aspects of the Public Employees Insurance Agency. Senate Bill 268 makes a range of changes to PEIA, growing out of concern that the agency faces growing financial stress. The health committee discussed a substitute that differs from a bill that was originally introduced. “We’re just trying to make sure that PEIA is there for many years into the future and that it’s fiscally sustainable and that it’s smoothed out to where future legislators aren’t having to fight with ...

A sampling of bills introduced Friday, Feb. 10

MORGANTOWN — Here is a sampling of bills introduced on Friday, Feb. 10. Local sponsors and co-sponsors, if any, are noted. HB 3355, to criminalize the unlawful operation of a bulldozer or heavy machinery. HB 3358, to exempt anyone who presides over a marriage ceremony from state ...

Leonhardt says he’ll run for re-election, not for governor

CHARLESTON — Cross one candidate for governor off your whiteboard. Agriculture Commissioner Kent Leonhardt, a Republican, put out a statement Wednesday saying he will not run for governor and instead will seek re-election to the office he currently holds. “I began my political career running for commissioner of agriculture and that is where I will finish it,” Leonhardt stated. “My team and our supporters may be disappointed that I did not throw my hat into the race for governor, but I want to assure them I will not be sitting idly by in that decision. As I seek ...

Senators quickly, unanimously pass $600 million tax plan

Wednesday morning, West Virginia senators announced their own $600 million tax plan that they called comprehensive. By afternoon, senators passed the tax proposal in bipartisan fashion, 33-0. To do so, senators suspended constitutional rules requiring bills to be read and considered three consecutive days. Senate Bill 424 is now headed to negotiations with the governor and delegates. “In the Senate, we get things done,” Senate President Craig Blair said at the conclusion of the morning’s news conference at the Capitol. This is the latest volley in the back-and-forth among ...