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Governor's 2010 State of the State (legislative Agenda) and Budget

Governor Manchin’s 2010 State-of-the-State Address Highlights (from WV Democratic Party)

  • Dedicate more funding to increase staff of the State Police’s crimes against children unit
  • Expand the state’s work-release program for non-violent offenders - no crimes against children eligible
  • Establish a publicly financed system for the Supreme Court elections of 2012
  • Establish a judicial advisory committee to ensure that top quality individuals fill future court vacancies - Governor Manchin has used this committee, but this would codify it
  • Ensure students get the mandated 180 days per year of instruction
  • Promote a one-year freeze on tuition increases at the state’s higher education institutions
  • Create a Fleet Management Office to oversee and to be held accountable for the state’s vehicle fleet
  • Grant the School Building Authority more flexibility to increase its ability to fund more school construction
  • Promote a constitutional amendment to allow for reductions to the state’s business industrial property tax system
  • Conduct a summit on young talent to connect youth with top business and labor leaders
  • Permit cities to collect fees from absent owners from vacant dilapidated properties to encourage them to improve their holdings
The Governor also explained that while some small cuts will be necessary in this year’s budget, overall West Virginia has weathered the global recession quite well and is able to avoid the drastic cuts, furloughs, and tax increases that nearly every state has had to impose to balance their budgets.

WVEC Legislative Priorities
 West Virginia Legislature 
  • Legislature Paves Way for New Business Courts
    • CHARLESTON - The West Virginia Legislature today took a major step to improve the state’s business climate, with agreement on a bill allowing for the creation of new business courts. more >>

  • Business Court Division Bill Passes Senate With Amendment
    • The Senate reconvened this morning and was treated to a rousing rendition of the National Anthem by Kayla Massey, a student at Shady Spring High School. Senators completed legislation on nine bills including House Bill 4187 which would continue the current hazardous waste management fee until 2015... more >>

  • House Advances Eight Bills to Governor, 36 Move to Third Reading
    • The House reconvened today at 11 a.m. and passed 12 bills, eight of which have been sent to the Governor for consideration. The House concurred with Senate amendments to House Bill 4670 and passed the bill, which completed legislative action. The bill will increase the amount of time a dependent person may file for Workers' Compensation death benefits from one year to two years. more >>

  • House Completes Action on Three Bills
    • The House reconvened at 5:30 p.m. this evening and passed three bills to complete legislation. House Bill 4171 will encourage the use of criminogenic testing for those in custody of the Division of Corrections. more >>

  • Bill Promoting Economic Development Sent to Governor
    • The House reconvened today at 11 a.m. and passed eight bills to complete legislative action. more >>

  • Senate Completes Legislation on Eight Bills
    • Members of the Senate reconvened this morning completing legislation on eight bills, presenting seven bills for second reading and adopting one resolution. Bills completing legislation included House Bill 4133 which would clarify the requirements to practice marriage and family therapy and House Bill 4291 which would eliminate duplicate criminal background investigations with both the West Virginia State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. more >>

  • House Sends Caregiver's Consent Act to Governor
    • The House reconvened at 6 p.m. this evening, and two bills completed legislation. The House concurred with a Senate title amendment to House Bill 4374 . The bill will allow a caregiver who is not a parent, legal custodian, or guardian of a minor to consent to health care for a minor through an affidavit. more >>

  • Instructional Resources Bill Completes Legislation
    • The Senate reconvened this morning at 11 a.m. completing legislation on one bill, adopting two resolutions and presenting 8 bills for second reading. Completing legislation this morning was Senate Bill 631. This bill would update the process for adopting textbooks and other instructional material. more >>

  • Bill Relating to Vehicle Accidents Completes Legislative Action
    • The House reconvened today at 11 a.m., and three bills completed legislative action. Among the bills completing legislation was Senate Bill 354. This bill will update the terms and procedures for notification after traffic crashes and completion of the required reports by investigating law-enforcement officers. more >>

  • Mingo County Delegation Urges Senate to Support Coal Severance Tax Legislation
    • CHARLESTON - In an effort to assist the municipalities and citizens of the southern coalfields the representatives of Mingo County urge members of the Senate to take up coal severance tax legislation. more >>

  • Controlled Substance Bill Completes Legislation
    • The House reconvened today at 11 a.m. and passed four bills, completing legislative action. Senate Bill 514, which completed action, will correct a reference in State Code, clarifying the controlled substances that are to be reported when a prescription is filled, or when the controlled substance is dispensed by a medical services provider. more >>

  • Senate Resolution Designates March American Red Cross Month
    • Members of the Senate reconvened this morning and adopted 18 resolutions including Senate Resolution 48 designating March as American Red Cross Month. more >>

  • Child Health Care Bill Passes House
    • The Child Health Care Bill introduced and sponsored by Delegate Samuel Cann, Sr. (D - Harrison) passed the House with a unanimous vote Tuesday. more >>

  • West Virginia’s Revered Son Recognized For Historic Service
    • On November 18, 2009, the House and Senate adopted resolutions honoring Senator Robert C. Byrd as a distinguished public servant and dedicated statesman, and designating that day as “The Honorable Robert C. Byrd Day.” more >>

  • Senate Honors Culture and History Commissioner
    • The Senate reconvened this morning and passed Senate Resolution 47 honoring the WV Commissioner of Culture and History, Randall Reid-Smith. Smith, a former tenor in the opera, treated the members to a heart warming rendition of The West Virginia Hills. more >>

  • Police Chief Reinstatement Bill Passes House
    • The House reconvened today at 11 a.m. and passed Senate Bill 89 with a title amendment, which will be reconsidered by the Senate. more >>

  • House Workgroup Members Praise State Retirement Board
    • CHARLESTON - Members of the House of Delegates workgroup examining the cost of retirement benefits to cities, counties and the state are praising the state Consolidated Retirement Board for making a significant change to its accounting standards today - a move that should provide immediate relief to both local and state government budgets. more >>

  • House Passes 42 Bills on Crossover Day
    • The House reconvened today at 2:30 p.m. and passed 33 bills during the afternoon session. The House passed HB4666, which would establish a grant program for substance abuse prevention. The Legislature wants to take “bold, aggressive action” against substance abuse. It also would create a special revenue account known as the "Prevention, Intervention, Treatment and Recovery Fund", which would consist of gifts, grants, bequests, transfers, appropriations or other donations. more >>

  • Senate Passes 54 Bills Prior to Crossover Deadline
    • The Senate reconvened this afternoon, suspended the Constitutional Rules and passed three bills. The first Senate Bill 70 would clarify in the Code that municipalities and counties are able to increase the rate of property taxes by more than 10% in a given year when counties and municipalities have had an election relative to the issuance of general revenue bonds. more >>

  • Senate Passes Bill to Help Pharmacists Control Substance Abuse
    • The Senate reconvened to pass 23 bills, including Senate Bill 81, which would create the West Virginia Official Prescription Program Act, Senate Bill 427, which would rename and reorganize Parkways, Economic Development and Tourism Authority and Senate Bill 130, which would make the failure to wear a safety belt a primary offense. more >>

  • House Passes Bill Funding WV Supreme Court Candidates
    • Beginning a busy day of legislative activity, the House started by passing nine bills, including one that would publicly fund campaigns for the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals. more >>

  • Delegate Sam Cann (D - Harrison) Appointed to Coal Mining Permit Committee
    • CHARLESTON – Delegate Samuel Cann, Sr. (D - Harrison) is one of five lawmakers to be appointed by the House Speaker Richard Thompson (D - Wayne) to a newly formed special committee to closely examine all issues surrounding the coal mine permitting process. more >>

  • Coal Severance Tax Bill Advances to Third Reading
    • The House reconvened today at 2 p.m. to continue with bills on second reading. A total of 48 bills were advanced to third reading. more >>

  • Fleet Management Bill Passes Senate
    • The Senate reconvened this morning passing 45 bills and presenting 49 for second reading. Bills passed this morning include Senate Bill 219 which would, among other things, authorize the establishment of a Fleet Management Office within the Department of Administration. more >>

  • Flexible Leave Act Bill Passes House
    • The House reconvened this morning and passed three bills concerning West Virginia workers, as well as four other bills. more >>

  • House Passes Bill Allowing Shareholder Vote Prior to Corporate Political Donations
    • The House reconvened this afternoon and passed six bills and advanced five bills to third reading. The most debated bill was House Bill 4646, which passed 61 to 34. The legislation would require corporations to allow shareholders to vote on financially supporting political causes. more >>

  • Senate Passes 11 Bills, Advances 41 to Third Reading
    • The Senate reconvened to pass 11 bills, including Senate Bill 621, which would allow certain permit limits for discharge located upstream of public water intakes, and House Bill 4128, which relates to insurance companies deemed to be in hazardous financial condition. more >>

  • House Passes School Calender Committee Bill, 8 Other Bills
    • The House reconvened this morning and passed nine bills, including the heavily debated school calender committee bill. more >>

  • Senate Recognizes Grange Day, Passes 11 Bills
    • The Senate reconvened to pass 11 bills, including Senate Bill 398, which would prohibit landfill disposal of certain electronic devices, and Senate Bill 471, which would increase circuit clerks' copying charge. more >>

  • House Passes 16 Bills During Busy Morning Session
    • It was a busy morning in the House today as they adopted one resolution, passed 16 bills and advanced 17 bills to third reading. Senate Bill 548 completed legislative action and will continue to the governor's desk. more >>

  • Legislative Auditor's Office Improves State Government Efficiency
    • The two divisions of the West Virginia Legislative Auditor's Office play a crucial role in the creation of legislation. The Post Audit Division and the Performance Evaluation and Research Division (PERD) conduct reviews of state agencies to report findings and make recommendations to state legislators. more >>

  • Senate Suspends Constitutional Rule to Pass House Bill 4037
    • The Senate reconvened to pass five bills, including House Bill 4037, which was passed by the Senate after the suspension of a Constitutional rule saying a bill must be read on three separate days. The bill relates to federal subsidy bonds and bond financing and has now completed legislative action. more >>

  • House Passes Version of "Tech Park" Bill
    • The House reconvened today and passed two bills and read 24 bills on second reading. The first bill passed was Senate Bill 611. This bill would remove the requirement that offices of the Higher Education Policy Commission, the Vice Chancellor for Administration and the West Virginia Council for Community and Technical College Education be located in Charleston. The House adopted a title change and the bill will return to the Senate for approval. more >>

  • 41st District Delegate Announces Nearly $1 Million in Community Initiative Funds
    • WV State House of Delegates' lawmaker Sam Cann, D- Harrison, reports $971,539 received via the Community Development Block Grant 2008 Midwest Floods Recovery Assistance. The funds are to be used to help communities recover from disasters, aid in the elimination of slums or blight, or to eliminate a condition that poses a serious and immediate threat to the welfare of a community. more >>

  • House Advances 24 Bills to Third Reading During Evening Session
    • Members of the House reconvened this evening at 5:30 p.m. and presented 24 bills for first reading. Bills on first reading included House Bill 4137 which would use voter registration to determine the placement of political parties on the general election ballot and House Bill 4162 which would provide a tax credit for obtaining certain certifications by the United States Green Building Council Leadership. more >>

  • Williams, Senate Call for Schools to Follow Taylor County's Lead
    • Last week, Senator Bob Williams announced the State Senate’s adoption of Senate Resolution 17, regarding the reduction of truancy in schools, and praised Taylor County for being a pioneer in the approach. more >>

  • House Passes Magistrate Bill; 13 Other Bills Passed
    • The House of Delegates recovened this morning and presented 15 bills for third reading and two for second reading. Bills on third reading included House Bill 3110 would rename conservation officers to be natural resource police officers. House Bill 4188 which would create the Anti-Criminal Street Gang Act. Also, House Bill 4292 which would require a person to have a Bachelor's degree or two years of magistrate experience to serve as a magistrate. more >>

  • Senate Passes Domestic Violence Bill
    • The Senate reconvened today at 11 a.m. and passed 14 bills on third reading. The Senate passed Senate Bill 490, which would provide family court judges with the flexibility to deal with different kinds of domestic violence by allowing them to make orders that last for longer periods of time. The bill expands the definition of domestic violence to include stalking and cruelty or other actions to family pets. more >>

  • Optometry Bill Passed by Senate
    • The Senate reconvened today at 11 a.m. and passed Senate Bill 230. The bill, also known as the Optometry Bill, would allow optometrists with the proper training to perform three procedures using therapeutic lasers, but only in situations when the optometrist is working in collaboration with a West Virginia licensed opthamologist; the opthamologist must be within 40 miles of the optometrist performing the procedure. more >>

  • Two Bills Pass House; 15 Bills Advance to Third Reading
    • Members of the House reconvened this morning at 11 a.m. adopting two resolutions and presenting two bills for third reading. House Bill 4145 provides services and facilities to assist student veterans at state institutions of higher education. Also, House Bill 4299 which provides that nonstate retired employees who have worked for their last nonstate employer for less than five years are responsible for their entire premium cost. more >>

  • Senate Passes Property Tax Bill; 15 Other Bills Passed
    • The Senate reconvened today at 11 a.m. and passed 16 bills. Senate Bill 401 would reform and modernize procedures and time frames for assessments of real and personal property, notices of assessments, and appeals of assessments. more >>

  • Second Bill Completes Legislation on Deadline for Introduction
    • Members of the House reconvened this morning introducing 72 bills, adopting seven resolutions and passing two bills. Today marks the last day members may introduce bills in both the House and Senate. more >>

  • Legislative Landmark Days Approach, Today Last Day to Introduce Most Bills
    • As the Legislature reaches the last few weeks of the 2010 Regular Session, the Calendar plays an ever-increasing role in legislative actions. Several deadlines, established by both procedural and constitutional rules, come into play as the final day of session approaches. more >>

  • House Education Committee Produces Comprehensive Bill to Improve Graduation Rate
    • CHARLESTON – The House Education Committee has developed sweeping legislation that takes a comprehensive approach to addressing the high school drop-out rate. "Currently the drop-out rate in West Virginia is too high,” House Speaker Rick Thompson said. “A student who quits high school will earn $400,000 less over the course of his or her working life, and close to half the people in prison right now did not complete high school. We owe it to our kids to give them every possible opportunity to succeed. If we can reduce the drop-out rate we will have a profound impact on the future of West Virginia. more >>

  • House Judiciary Committee Endorses Business Court Bill
    • CHARLESTON – The House of Delegates is moving forward with legislation to establish a business court in West Virginia. “By creating this court division, West Virginia is sending a clear, strong message that this state is a welcoming environment for businesses,” Speaker Rick Thompson said. “In the 15 states that have business courts, there has been a very positive response from the business community.” more >>

  • Senate Advances 16 Bills to Third Reading
    • As voices of the Glenville State Choir filled the chamber, the Senate reconvened today at 11 a.m. more >>

  • House Passes Six Bills; Three Advanced to Third Reading
    • The House reconvened this morning at 11 a.m. and were greeted with the spiritual sounds of The Martin Luther King Jr. Male Chorus. The chorus, which hails from Charleston, was at the State Capitol to continue the celebration of Black History Month. more >>

  • Increased Session Employment Helps Legislature Run Smoothly
    • Every year, on the second Wednesday of January, committee rooms, chambers and hallways are filled with more than 150 part-time employees who arrive for the start of the regular session. more >>

  • Senate Suspends Rules to Pass Controlled Substance Bill
    • The Senate reconvened today at 11 a.m. and suspended the constitutional rule which says a bill must be read on three separate days in order to pass Senate Bill 364. more >>

  • Six House Bills Advanced to Third Reading, Local Hero Honored
    • Members from the House reconvened this morning introducing 38 bills and adopting three resolutions. Legislators also presented a citation to Melquan Brown. more >>

  • Senate Adopts Six Resolutions, Passes One Bill
    • It was Children's Day in the Legislature today and the Senate celebrated it with Senate Resolution 27, which honored Kids' Chance of West Virginia. more >>

  • House Passes Bill Helping Municipalities Deal with Vacant Properties
    • The House reconvened to pass five bills, including House Bill 4034, which would authorize any municipality to enact by ordinance a vacant property registration program. The House also introduced House Bill 4526, which would require the removal of ice and snow from vehicles before operating them on highways, and six other bills. more >>

  • Delegates Honor 2008 Ohio County Division of Corrections Employee of the Year
    • CHARLESTON - State Delegates Orphy Klempa (D - Ohio) and Tal Hutchins (D - Ohio) met with Ohio County Corrections’ Program Specialist Deborah Croft, the 2008 Ohio County Division of Corrections Employee of the Year. more >>

  • Senate Passes Police Chief Bill
    • The Senate celebrated Corrections Day and West Virginia Human Resources Day as they adopted two resolutions, passed four bills and introduced six more. more >>

  • House Recognizes Corrections Day
    • The House of Delegates reconvened to pass House Bill 4220, which would require the Board of Medicine to treat a person qualified as a radiologic practitioner assistant as a radiologist assistant. more >>

  • Senate Honors Vets with Resolutions and Legislation
    • The Senate honored local heroes this morning as they reconvened and passed five bills and introduced 10. The Senate first honored local hero Melquan Brown, a high school student who saved a girl who had fallen through the ice of a pond... more >>

  • House Passes Five Bills, Honors State Veterans
    • The House reconvened to unanimously pass five bills, including House Bill 4179, which would remove the termination date of the Equal Pay Commission. In addition, House Bill 4220 advanced to third reading and six bills advanced to second reading. more >>

  • Senate Finishes Another Week
    • The Senate convened for a quick Friday session this morning and read six bills on second reading, as well as introduced 21 bills. more >>

  • House Introduces 31 Bills, Moves Five to Third Reading
    • Five bills advanced to third reading as the House reconvened. These bills were part of Friday's special calendar and include House Bill 4179, which would remove the termination date of the Equal Pay Commission. more >>

  • Tourism Day Attracts Statewide Exhibits
    • Tourism and entertainment sites from all over the state flocked to the capitol to show what makes West Virginia "wild and wonderful." Pictured are three participating exhibits from Sculpted Air, Tasty Blend Foods, Inc., and Southern West Virginia Convention and Visitors Bureau. more >>

  • Census, Redistricting Office, Ensure Equal Representation in Government
    • The Redistricting Office of the West Virginia Legislature is a Joint Committee office serving both the Senate and the House of Delegates. In order to fully understand its purpose, one must first have a scope of the history of the census and how the census process works. more >>

  • Five House Bills Moved to Second Reading
    • The House of Delegates reconvened on the 30th day of session to introduce 21 bills. These bills include House Bill 4438, which would create a commission to develop a pilot program to help at-risk youth in West Virginia, and House Bill 4446, which would re-categorize recycled energy as a renewable energy resource. more >>

  • Senate Passes Bill Re-categorizing Recycled Energy as a Renewable Resource
    • The Senate reconvened this morning and passed two bills after introducing 15. The bills passed included Senate Bill 350, which would include energy produced from exhaust heat, waste gas and electricity extracted from a pressure drop in gas to the list of renewable energy resources... more >>

  • House Speaker Asks Governor to Use Rainy Day Fund Money to Assist Hard-Hit Communities
    • CHARLESTON - House Speaker Rick Thompson is asking Gov. Joe Manchin to allocate state Rainy Day Fund money to those communities hit hardest by the recent, severe winter weather. more >>

  • Senate Passes Three Bills; Honors Marshall University
    • As the Senate reconvened this morning, members were greeted by the sounds of the Marshall University Fife and Drum Corps. The corps members played three songs, including a rousing rendition of Yankee Doodle Dandee. more >>

  • House Votes to Increase Penalties for Selling Tobacco to Minors
    • The House reconvened today at 11 a.m. and passed House Bill 2773. The bill would increase monetary penalties for selling tobacco products to minors. First-time offenders would be fined $100 for violating the law, currently the fine is $25. more >>

  • House Speaker appoints Select Committee on Coal Mining Permits
    • CHARLESTON - At the urging of House Speaker Rick Thompson, the House of Delegates has formed a special committee to closely examine all issues surrounding the coal mine permitting process. more >>

  • House Introduces Bill Increasing Funds For Autism Spectrum Disorders
    • House Bill 4410 would require health insurance coverage for autism spectrum disorders. The bill sets forth the types of coverage required and requires medical services to be provided on a nondiscriminatory basis. more >>

  • Four Bills Advanced to Third Reading
    • The Senate reconvened this morning, introducing seven bills and advancing four bills to third reading. Bills introduced included Senate Bill 515 which would prohibit certain firearm purchases. more >>

  • House Passes Physical Therapy Bill
    • The House reconvened today at 11 a.m. and passed House Bill 4140, also known as the Physical Therapy Bill. The purpose of the bill would be to update the law governing the practice of physical therapy. more >>

  • Banking Bill Passes Senate With Unanimous Vote
    • The Senate reconvened this morning at 11 a.m. Members introduced 11 bills and adopted nine resolutions. Highlighting the Session was the unanimous passage of Senate Bill 381. This bill regulates the ability of Division of Banking employees to obtain certain loans. more >>

  • Banking BIll Set For Vote Next Week
    • Members of the Senate reconvened this morning at 11 a.m. Highlighting the Session was the advancement of Senate Bill 381 to third reading and a possible vote next week. If passed, the bill would regulate the ability of Division of Banking employees to obtain certain loans. more >>

  • House Adopts "National Wear Red Day" Resolution
    • The House reconvened today at 11 a.m. and adopted two resolutions honoring women. House Resolution 16 was adopted, declaring February 5 "National Wear Red Day" in awareness of women's heart disease. Members of the House participated, donning red attire for today's Session. more >>

  • Ceremony Recognizes Sacrifice of State Law Enforcement
    • Lawmakers from both the House and Senate adopted resolutions declaring today Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. Law enforcement officers from around the state were honored today at the State Capitol. In addition to law enforcement officials, family of fallen officers were also in attendance. A ceremony was held in the Capitol rotunda where Governor Manchin addressed those in attendance. more >>

  • House Suspends Rules to Pass Bill for Hardy County
    • The House reconvened today at 11 a.m. and passed three bills. more >>

  • "Doc of the Day" Program: A Mutually Beneficial Relationship
    • The West Virginia Legislature sponsors several different educational programs. Each has its own unique opportunities for the participants. The Legislature’s Page Program gives students in grades 6 through 12 the opportunity to witness the role that legislators play in state government. Also, the numerous legislative internship programs provide graduate and undergraduate students the ability to work directly with lawmakers and staff. Perhaps the most beneficial program to all employees at the state capitol is the Doc for a Day program. more >>

  • Senate Resolution Honors State Law Enforcement
    • The Senate reconvened this morning introducing 16 bills, adopting 6 resolutions and presenting one bill for first reading. more >>

  • Fourteen Bills Introduced in Senate
    • The Senate met briefly to continue with the introduction of bills. Thirteen bills were introduced, including Senate Bill 455, which would require that people arrested for felonies submit DNA samples, and Senate Bill 459, which would require Senate confirmation of certain board and commission appointees. more >>

  • Bill Relating to Criminal Parole Passes House
    • The House reconvened today at 11 a.m. and passed three bills. House Bill 4171 relates to assessments that take place when a convicted criminal is up for parole. more >>

  • House Votes to Raise Penalty for Unreported Child Abuse
    • With a unanimous vote, the House passed House Bill 2612 after reconvening today at 11 a.m. This bill would increase penalities for failing to report child abuse; penalities would include 30 days jail time, $1000 fine or a combination of the two. more >>

  • Senate Honors Crime Victims Day, Passes Three Bills
    • The Senate reconvened to unanimously pass three bills, including Senate Bill 215, which would add the assault of volunteer firefighters and emergency medical service employees to existing laws for malicious assault more >>

  • House Passes Bill Concerning Hallucinogen
    • The House reconvened today at 11 a.m. and passed House Bill 4018, which would make it illegal to possess salvia divinorum when it is intended for human consumption. Salvia divinorum is a leafy plant that is being used as a hallucinogenic drug. For this reason, possession would result in a fine, up to six months jail time, or a combination of the two. more >>

  • Senate Celebrates Women's Day
    • The Senate reconvened to adopt two resolutions, including Senate Resolution 11, which designated February 1, 2010 as "Women's Day." more >>

  • State Senate OPEB Study Group Completes Its Report; Recommendations Address $7 Billion Unfunded Liability
    • CHARLESTON - Facing a rising tide of debt created by health care demands of retirees today and for the future, a special study group appointed by State Senate President Earl Ray Tomblin has reported its findings and results, which Sen. Brooks McCabe says “must be implemented if West Virginia educators, public employees and other entities have a financially solvent retiree health care program.” more >>

  • Senate Introduces 14 Bills
    • The Senate reconvened to introduce 14 bills, including Senate Bill 394, which would authorize the Department of Motor Vehicles to use certain programs to identify uninsured vehicles, and Senate Bill 398, which would prohibit the landfill disposal of certain electronic devices. more >>

  • Single Mother of 10 Honored in House
    • The House presented a citation to Alberta Wiggins, in honor of her life achievements. She raised 10 children as a single mom and went to school to become a nurse. She has 22 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. All of her children and grandchildren have a post-secondary education. more >>

  • State Legislature at the Forefront of Social Networking Revolution
    • As online social networking has expanded, so have the possibilities for West Virginians to better connect with the legislative process. The West Virginia Legislature is at the forefront of this revolution, and continues to adapt with advances in social networking and other technologies. With the October 2009 launch of Facebook and Twitter pages, the Legislature’s goal is to involve the public - to deepen knowledge of and engage dialogue in the issues facing the state, while improving communication between state government and the people it serves. more >>

  • Young Researchers Showcase Discoveries
    • Today marked the 7th annual Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol. Young research talent from across the state filled the rotunda - showcasing posters on research in areas from heart disease and post traumatic stress disorder, to rocket flight and political science. more >>

  • House Recognizes AARP, Adopts Resolution Opposing Federal Cap and Trade
    • The House reconvened today and introduced 16 bills and adopted two resolutions. The introduced bills included House Bill 4207, which would make it illegal to send obscene, anonymous, harassing and threatening digital communication... more >>

  • Senate Honors USS West Virginia
    • The Senate honored the USS West Virginia through the adoption of House Resolution 9. Stationed in Kings Bay, Georgia, the USS West Virginia was commissioned in 1989 and is home to more than 300 crew members and officers. more >>

  • Senate Adopts Resolution Opposing Federal Cap and Trade
    • The Senate spent about an hour in session today discussing the future of coal and prescription drug abuse prevention... more >>

  • Bill Regulating Veterinary Medicine Passes Through House
    • Members of the House reconvened at 11 a.m. this morning. Highlighting the Session this morning was the passage of House Bill 4144, relating to the law governing veterinary medicine. The bill will now be sent to the Senate for their review. more >>

  • Senate Suspends Rules, Passes School Calendar Bill
    • The Senate reconvened at 11 a.m. today and received messages concerning bills passed in the House. House Bill 4040, which ensures 180 full instructional days for students by giving the counties more flexibility in picking their start and end dates, was received in the Senate. more >>

  • House Adopts Two Resolutions, 12 Bills Introduced
    • Members of the House reconvened this morning, introducing 12 bills and adopting two resolutions. One bill introduced today was House Bill 4177 which would dedicate five percent of coal severance tax to the county of origin. Another bill introduced today was House Bill 4173, if passed this bill would make property crimes valued at over $1,000 a felony. more >>

  • Senate Continues Work of 2010 Session
    • After reconvening at 11 a.m., the Senate introduced seven bills. These bills included Senate Bill 340 which would create the Uniform Collateral Consequences of Conviction Act, Senate Bill 343 which would increase the minimum age for ending compulsory school attendance and Senate Bill 346 which would create a single statewide credentialing verification organization for health care practitioners. more >>

  • School Calendar Bill Passes Through House
    • Three bills, House Bill 4026, House Bill 4040 and House Bill 4138 were passed today as the House reconvened this morning. Of those passed, House Bill 4040 would require county Boards of Education to create an icy condition and emergency plan to guarantee 180 separate days of instruction more >>

  • West Virginia's Fairs and Festivals Visit the Capitol
    • The West Virginia Legislature celebrated West Virginia Fairs and Festivals Day in the capitol rotunda. Several festivals were represented and capitol guests were greeted by an assortment of foods, fair facts and crafts. more >>

  • House Advances Three Bills to Final Reading; Set for Passage Next Week
    • The House reconvened this morning, introducing eight bills and adopting five concurrent resolutions. One of the bills introduced this morning was House Bill 4159 would require insurers to notify insureds of all rate changes before they take effect. more >>

  • Senate Receives Three Bills From Committee
    • The Senate reconvened this morning and received a House message regarding the passage of House Bill 4016. The legislation was referred to the Judiciary Committee and then to the Finance Committee. more >>

  • Lawmakers Confront Challenging Budget to Maintain State’s Fiscal Stability
    • As the Legislature convenes for the 2010 Regular Session, no issue looms larger than the status and future of the state budget. Lawmakers are faced with the task of approving and balancing the budget, while maintaining fiscal responsibility and the services West Virginians expect. more >>

  • Ethics Legislation Received from House, 48 Bills Introduced
    • The Senate reconvened this morning and received a House message regarding the passage of House Bill 4016. The legislation was referred to the Judiciary Committee and then to the Finance Committee. more >>

  • House Designates Today as Generation West Virginia Day
    • The House reconvened today as lawmakers introduced 10 bills and adopted two resolutions. One of the bills introduced today was House Bill 4152 which would make it a misdemeanor to make more than three separate calls to 911 for non-emergency health concerns. more >>

  • House of Delegates Passes Ethics Bill
    • CHARLESTON - House Speaker Rick Thompson applauded House of Delegates members for unanimously passing legislation to strengthen the state’s ethics requirements for public officials. more >>

  • Senate Declares Disability Advocacy Day, Introduces 48 Bills
    • The Senate reconvened today and introduced 48 bills as well as passing Senate Resolution 4, which declared today Disability Advocacy Day. more >>

  • House Passes Ethics Legislation
    • The House of Delegates passed its first bill of the 2010 Regular Session, House Bill 4016, which would strengthen the current Ethics Act financial disclosure filing requirements. The House amended the bill before passage. One amendment called for all filed financial disclosure statements to be published on the state Ethics Commission's website. more >>

  • State Troopers Request More Men to Fight Crimes Against Children
    • The Crimes Against Children Unit of the West Virginia State Police joined the governor to present statistics on minor related crime in an attempt to persuade lawmakers to allow six additional troopers and one civilian to be funded by the state. more >>

  • House Introduces 85 Rule-Making Bills
    • The House of Delegates introduced a bundle of Rule-Making bills today in addition to 17 other bills, including House Bill 4128 , which relates to insurance companies deemed to be in hazardous financial condition. more >>

  • Senate Reconvenes for Quick Session
    • The Senate reconvened this morning and introduced Senate Bill 232, Senate Resolution 2 and Senate Resolution 3. Senate Bill 232 would transfer responsibility for redeeming certain delinquent land sales from the County Clerk to the State Auditor. more >>

  • Lawmakers Honor Legacy of Dr. King
    • In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday, a ceremony was conducted on the North side of the Capitol building. The lawmakers in attendance were accompanied by members of the West Virginia Supreme Court and the Governor, as well as the members of West Virginia’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission to mark this National Day of Service. more >>

  • Senate Celebrates Optometry Day, Pharmacy Education Day
    • The Senate Chamber was buzzing with activity this morning as the Senate reconvened for the sixth day. The Appalachian Children's Chorus followed the benediction and sang "Lord of the Dance", before being joined by senators and guests when singing "Country Roads." more >>

  • Ethics Bill Advances in House
    • On the sixth Legislative day the first bill to be featured on the House Calendar was presented on first reading. The bill, House Bill 4016, would strengthen the Ethics Acts financial disclosure filing requirements. more >>

  • Senate President Tomblin Presents $10,000 Check To Southern Community College Foundation; Proceeds Came From National Legislative Award
    • CHARLESTON: The Capitol: President Earl Ray Tomblin, D-Logan presented Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College Foundation with a $10,000 gift, the cash prize for being named the top legislator of the year in the United States for 2009. Presentation of the gift which will support the school's scholarship trust fund, was made following the president's remarks at a breakfast meeting of the Logan County Chamber of Commerce. more >>

  • House Majority Leader Praises Glenville State College's Contribution
    • CHARLESTON - In response to a recent legislative audit that questions the number of four-year colleges in West Virginia, House Majority Leader Brent Boggs said he feels compelled to point out the ongoing success and positive impact of Glenville State College has in its region. more >>

  • State Legislators Discuss Disabled Persons Employment Program
    • CHARLESTON - The West Virginia Association of Rehabilitation Facilities, Inc. joined state senators and delegates Friday morning to discuss future funding for the state supported program. more >>

  • School Calendar Bill Introduced in the House
    • Five bills, including House Bill 4040 , which would require county school boards to adopt contingency plans designed to guarantee one hundred eighty separate days of instruction for students, were introduced to the House of Delegates today. more >>

  • Senate Finishes First Week
    • The Senate reconvened this morning and introduced six bills. The six bills included Senate Bill 227, which would establish the Protect Children from Dangerous Lighters Act, and Senate Bill 228, which would ensure all children are able to attend school 180 days per year. more >>

  • House Committee Passes Ethics Legislation
    • CHARLESTON - On the first full day of the 2010 legislative session, the House Judiciary Committee endorsed legislation that would expand the state's ethics requirements for public officials. more >>

  • Senate Introduces 10 Bills, Honors Mineral County
    • The Senate reconvened this afternoon and introduced ten bills and acknowledged today as Mineral County Day. more >>

  • House Introduces 11 Bills, Honors Musician Don Redman
    • This afternoon, the House of Delegates reconvened and introduced 11 bills, such as House Bill 4033, which relates to the management of motor vehicles and aircraft owned by the state, and House Bill 4036,which establishes the Judicial Vacancy Advisory Commission. more >>

  • Governor Gives State of the State Address, Budget Bill Introduced
    • The House and Senate reconvened at 7:00 p.m. this evening for a joint session in the House Chamber for the Governor's presentation of the 2010 State of the State Address. Both the House and Senate met briefly following the Governor's speech in order to introduce the Budget Bill. more >>

  • Joint Finance Committee Briefed on Federal Bloc Grants
    • On Wednesday, members of the Joint Committee on Finance were given several presentations regarding Federal Bloc grant funds. Presentations were given by the Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) Bureau of Preventative Health and Preventative Services, the Bureau of Behavioral Health and Health Facilities and the Department of Maternal Child and Family Health, just to name a few. more >>

  • Senate Begins 2010 Legislative Session
    • The West Virginia State Senate convened for the 2010 Legislative Session at noon today. Having ascertained a quorum, 212 bills were introduced. more >>

  • House Convenes for Second Regular Session of the 79th Legislature
    • The House reconvened today at Noon to begin the 2010 Regular Session of the 79th Legislature. The first order of business was the adoption of House Concurrent Resolution 1 , which extended a formal invitation to the Governor to deliver the State of the State address tonight at 7 p.m. more >>

  • Senate 2010 Regular Session
    • Charleston: The Capitol: As one of the longest running cold spells in West Virginia's history appears to be warming up for the first day of the West Virginia Legislature's regular session Wednesday, so will legislative action begin with the first bang of Senate President Earl Ray Tomblin's gavel. more >>

  • House of Delegates to Begin Streaming Audio Wednesday
    • CHARLESTON - The Leadership of the West Virginia House of Delegates reminds members of the public and press that the House will begin streaming the audio of daily floor sessions and committee meetings on Wednesday, Jan. 13, the first day of the 2010 regular session. more >>

  • Legislature to Cut Current-Year Budget
    • CHARLESTON - Legislative leaders have approved a 3.4 percent cut to the Legislature's current fiscal year budget, trimming more than $870,000. more >>

  • Meshea L. Poore Takes Legislative Oath of Office
    • Meshea L. Poore of Charleston took the Legislative Oath of Office today within the House of Delegates chamber with dignitaries, friends and family filling the chamber to show their support. Sworn in by State Supreme Court Justice Margaret L. Workman... more >>

  • Speaker Tours Mylan Pharmacueticals
    • MORGANTOWN - House Speaker Rick Thompson today toured Mylan Pharmaceuticals' Morgantown facility, gaining greater insight into the work of the company, which ranks among the nation's leading generic pharmaceutical manufacturer. more >>

  • Lawmakers Set to Return for Interims, Start of 2010 Regular Session
    • Despite the freezing temperatures that have gripped West Virginia for much of the past couple weeks, lawmakers are set to heat things up inside the Capitol next week as they convene for January interim meetings and the start of the 2010 Regular Session. more >>

  • Interim Highlights - December 2009
    • This issue of Interim Highlights contains summaries of Interim Committee meetings held December 7-9, 2009. more >>

  • Group Seeking $2.7 Million to Provide Broadband Access to 7 Counties in Central WV
    • The Gilmer Braxton Research Institute has partnered with Micrologic, a small telecommunications firm out of Buckhannon, to submit a $2.7 million grant to provide universal access to broadband for a seven county region in central West Virginia. more >>

  • Handling of Parolees From Other States Living in West Virginia Being Reviewed and Assessed
    • CHARLESTON - In the wake of the murder of four police officers in Washington, a careful review and assessment of West Virginia's handling of adult offenders living in the state while on parole from other states has been initiated by the chairman of the senate committee on interstate cooperation, Sen. Evan Jenkins (D-Cabell). more >>

  • Health Preparedness Key Component in Combating H1N1 in WV
    • Legislators and staff heard from Cathy Slemp MD, MPH, the State Health Preparedness Director, regarding West Virginia's efforts regarding its defense against the H1N1 flu virus during the December interim meeting of the Joint Select Committee on Health Emergency Preparedness. more >>

  • Lessons Learned at Harvard
    • The developing discord surrounding the sustainability of coal jobs specifically or the future of coal in a greener economy generally has struck fear in the heart of West Virginia. Working miners and their families are frightened that the future will leave them behind without first creating a better job for them to go to. I share that concern. Environmentalists pit themselves against the coal industry and their workers. While environmentalists chain themselves in trees, angry coal workers turn up at public meetings and rallies as a mob to shout down any threat to their jobs. more >>

  • Interim Highlights - November 2009
    • This issue of Interim Highlights contains summaries of bills passed during the 2009 4th Extraordinary Session and overviews of Interim Committee meetings held November 17-19, 2009. more >>

  • December Interims Begin Monday, Rotunda Christmas Tree Decorated
    • Members of the Legislature are set to return to the Capitol Monday, December 7 for December's interim committee meetings. more >>

  • Fourth Special Session Covers Municipal Firefighter and Police Pension Plans
    • A measure to shore up West Virginia municipal police and firefighters' pension plans was passed during the Fourth Special Session of the 79th Legislature, among nine other bills which transfer agency monies, authorize the use of federal stimulus dollars, address credits awarded under the Alternative and Renewable Energy Portfolio Act, continue the motor fuel excise tax, address Uniformed Services and Overseas Voter Pilot Program, clarify expungement orders, and make technical corrections relative to the IRS Code. more >>

  • Senate President Tomblin Appoints Special Panel To Study State's Post Employment Benefit Liability
    • CHARLESTON: The Capitol: West Virginia Senate President Earl Ray Tomblin (D-Logan) today appointed seven state senators to conduct a special study for further consideration of SB4005, legislation which remained in the Senate Finance committee yesterday. more >>

  • 10 Bills Complete Legislative Action During Special Session
    • During the 4th Extraordinary Session, a total of 10 bills completed legislative action. more >>

  • Senate Passes Two Bills, Adjourns
    • This afternoon, the Senate passed House Bill 408, relating to the definitions and the tracking of credits awarded under the Alternative and Renewable Energy Portfolio Act ... more >>

  • Legislature Invests in State Roads, House Passes Gas Tax Freeze
    • The House passed Senate Bill 4004, which relates to the motor fuel excise tax. After much debate on the House floor, members passed this bill that will freeze the state's gas tax at 32.5 cents per gallon. more >>

  • Senate Receives Amended Call, Adopts Resolution Supporting Coal
    • This afternoon the Senate reconvened in order to accept an amendment to the Governor's call that adds Senate Resolution 407, which continues the support of the coal industry in West Virginia. more >>

  • Four Bills Complete Legislation, House Passes Four Bills on to Senate
    • The House received a message from the Governor this afternoon that amended and added a resolution to the call. The House adopted House Resolution 402, showing its support for the coal industry and vowing to help coal remain a viable industry in West Virginia. more >>

  • Senator Byrd's Congressional Tenure Celebrated at Capitol
    • Already the longest serving U.S. Senator, the Honorable Robert C. Byrd is now the longest-serving member of the United States Congress with 56 years, 320 days of continuous service, surpassing Senator Carl Hayden of Arizona. more >>

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War in Iraq - The Toll

US Deaths                  4,371
US wounded         +55,961 (All causes)
US wounded         +38,168* 11/18/07
*(DOD NEW method of counting
    who knows what the real count 
    is?)  
Iraqi Deaths     +1,139,602 (estimated)

War in Afghanistan
US Deaths                 949  

Source:  http://icasualties.org/                 

Perspective:
Saddam Hussein convicted of killing - 148
Killed in 9/11 attacks:  2,750