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Work to Do

Only a few weeks remain in this year’s regular West Virginia legislative session and lawmakers have much work to do to when it comes to improving the state’s economy. Let’s hope there is a push between now and the session’s end on April 12 to prioritize legislation that will help Gov. Patrick Morrisey fulfill one of his key initiatives — making West Virginia more competitive with its neighboring states. One of the bills Morrisey wants to get across the finish line is Senate Bill 458 — the Universal Professional and Occupational Licensing Act. This legislation, which has ...

Education

For a group so fond of dragging out terms such as “nanny state” and “overreach” when the mood suits them, it should be more of a surprise when they push measures meant to claw control of local decision-making back for themselves. But members of the West Virginia Legislature have attempted such maneuvers often enough that it is no longer a surprise — just a head-shaking disappointment. Neither the state Constitution nor previous West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals rulings — not even the full knowledge that their action virtually guarantees a return to the courts — can ...

Help Needed

When the Red Cross needs our help, it is often in the form of blood donations and filling volunteer opportunities. But tomorrow is Red Cross Giving Day — a chance for us to support this vital organization with financial donations, too. “This year’s disasters have set a whirlwind pace, displacing thousands of people from their homes across the country and disrupting the nation’s blood supply for patients,” said Erica Mani, chief executive officer for the American Red Cross Central Appalachia Region. “As we enter spring disaster season, families are relying on us to come ...

Stunts

One is tempted to wonder who in the motorcycle insurance industry got hold of state lawmakers this year, after discussion of a couple of motorcycle-related ideas in the House of Delegates. House Bill 2752 has actually been dubbed a “freedom from leg cramps bill” by state Del. Chris Philipps, R-Barbour, who was a co-sponsor. It would let riders operate motorcycles or mopeds while standing as long as the rider faces forward and their feet are on the pedals. That passed the House 80-17. Meanwhile, Del. David Foggin, R-Wood, offered an amendment that would have let motorcyclists ride ...

Boos & Applause

Applause to the West Virginia Highland Dancers, who will present their 2025 Spring Highland Fling event this evening. The Fling will be at 7 p.m. at the Myles Center for the Arts at Davis & Elkins College. The performance is free to the community. The show will be “a vibrant celebration” of Scottish heritage through the art of Highland dancing, which features “precise footwork, athletic grace and rich historical significance.” Applause to the small team of people who worked together to rescue an injured owl in Elkins. When Pam Moe and Chuck Merritt discovered a great horned owl ...

Vaccines

Members of West Virginia’s House Health and Human Services Committee have injected a measure of common sense responsibility into the conversation about vaccine requirements for public and private school students in the state. When state Senate Bill 460 made its way over to the House of Delegates, it included dangerous exemptions for religious and philosophical reasons. In an 18-7 vote, members of the House committee removed them. Good. The amended version of SB 460 that will now go before the full House still would allow a licensed physician, physician assistant, or nurse ...