Search Block
House Democrats outline priorities for session
By Carrie Hodousek, WV MetroNews
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Democrats in the House of Delegates say they promise to protect West Virginia workers, to protect public education, to fight forced pooling and to fix the Public Employees Insurance Agency during the upcoming regular legislative session.
The House Democratic Caucus met Tuesday at the state Capitol to discuss their priorities with reporters.
House...
Testing panel eyes ACT
By Ryann Quinn, The Charleston Gazette-Mail
One day before West Virginia lawmakers start their annual regular session Wednesday, a group formed to consider statewide standardized testing might make its final recommendations on big changes to the exams.
At its second meeting last week, most members of state schools Superintendent Michael Martirano’s Commission on Assessment said they wanted to move away from West Virginia’s existing...
Tomblin would appoint Democrat to vacant seat, but wants court input
By David Gutman, The Charleston Gazette-Mail
Unless the West Virginia Supreme Court tells him not to, Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin intends to appoint a Democrat to the state Senate seat that has been vacant since Republican Sen. Daniel Hall resigned, a move that would swing the chamber from GOP control to a deadlock.
However, Tomblin wants the Supreme Court to resolve the controversy before he...
Tax reform unlikely, but groups push low-income tax credit
By David Gutman, The Charleston Gazette-Mail
There will be no major proposals coming this year from the Republican Legislature’s new Joint Committee on Tax Reform, although a coalition of community organizations is pushing for a tax credit specifically aimed at low-income workers, a proposal with possible bipartisan support.
Sen. Mike Hall, R-Putnam and a co-chairman of the tax reform committee,...
Sensored, safety school bus to be introduced in Kanawha County
By Carrie Hodousek, WV MetroNews
ELKVIEW, W.Va. — A New Jersey bill that requires sensors on school buses is gaining a lot of attention in West Virginia.
The legislation named “Abigail’s Law” follows the death of Abigail Kuberiet — a child struck and killed by a school bus as it pulled away from a stop in 2003. The bus driver didn’t see her in front the bus or know the accident happened until...